The Occurrence of Apicomplexan Parasites in the Selected Representatives of the Felinae Subfamily at the Zoos in the Czech Republic

Bc. Anita Bírošíková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The presented diploma thesis was focused on the occurrence of apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium spp. with zoonotic potential in the faeces of selected representatives of the Felinae subfamily at the Czech zoos, with a significant impact on the health of bred animals and public health. Regular faecal sampling was carried out from June to August 2021 at the Zoo Jihlava and the Zoo Olomouc. A total of 222 samples were taken from eight species of small felines. The samples were examined by flotation centrifugation method, and to diagnose Cryptosporidium spp. also by aniline-carbol-methyl violet staining and subsequently microscopically examined. PCR molecular analysis was performed to confirm the parasitic findings of the phylum Apicomplexa and the accompanying parasitic pathogens. Positive (n=23) and dubious (n=3) findings of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were microscopically detected from samples examined by flotation, and PCR analysis confirmed their occurrence in three bred individuals of Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul) from the Zoo Jihlava. The staining technique revealed 22 positive and seven dubious findings of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and according to PCR analysis, the occurrence of Cryptosporidium felis (n=10) was subsequently demonstrated from three species of small felines, at both zoos. Nematode eggs (n=49), the amount of which was quantified by EPG using a modified McMaster's method, were diagnosed by the flotation method. The highest intensity of Toxocara cati infection was recorded in Pallas's cat (6,225 EPG) and Toxascaris leonina in cheetah (19,725 EPG). The findings of parasitic co-infections of Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina were confirmed by the PCR molecular method. The obtained sequences were 100% identical to the reference sequences stored in the GenBank database. The sources and routes of spreading parasitic pathogens were pointed out and measures were proposed to ensure biosecurity at both Czech zoos.

Keywords

Cryptosporidium felis, zoonoses, zoo animals, small felines, Toxoplasma gondii

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 4. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. MVDr. Daniela Lukešová, CSc.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation