First report of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the sand-dune tuco-tuco (Ctenomys flamarioni) from southern Brazil.

Abstract

The subterranean rodent Ctenomys flamarioni is an endemic species threatened by the proximity to anthropogenic environments, a factor that increases its contact with domestic animals. The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is of particular concern because its definitive hosts include domestic and wild felids, while several species of wild mammals act as intermediate hosts. The present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in two populations of C. flamarioni in coastal dune areas of southern Brazil with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance. A total of 17 individuals were captured using Oneida Victor traps, including seven from a low anthropization area and ten from a highly anthropized area. In the field, blood samples were collected from the cranial vena cava, and the animals were released at their capture site. Serum samples were analyzed using an indirect hemagglutination assay. The overall seroprevalence was 41.2%, with similar values between areas: 42.9% (low anthropization) and 40.0% (highly anthropized). Our results demonstrate that C. flamarioni is exposed to T. gondii in environments with both low and high degrees of anthropogenic influence. The detection of this zoonotic parasite highlights the role of human-altered environments in facilitating pathogen transmission to wildlife.