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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125464
Title: CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN A INDO-PACIFIC BOTTLE-NOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS ADUNCUS)

Author
item JARDINE, J - VETPATH LAB SERVICES
item Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Infection by the single celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is common in animals and humans. It causes mental retardation and loss of vision in congenitally-infected children. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center report the first case of congenital toxoplasmosis in a dolphin. These results will be of interest to marine biologists, parasitologists and pathologists.

Technical Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii was identified in tissues of a late term fetus stillborn to an Indo-Pacific bottle-nose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Myocardial necrosis and non-suppurative inflammation in the heart and non-suppurative necrotizing encephalitis were associated with tachyzoites and tissue cysts. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-T. gondii specific polyclonal rabbit serum.