Work

Molecular detection and characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii in eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in Victoria, Australia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Australian marsupials are particularly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii , an introduced zoonotic protozoan parasite. Molecular diagnostic methods are a highly specific approach for the detection of parasitic infections such as T. gondii . Importantly, molecular methods are useful for the characterisation of T. gondii to understand the genetic diversity of the parasite. The eastern barred bandicoot ( Perameles gunnii ) is a small native marsupial species classified as Critically Endangered. Although the species has previously been described as highly susceptible to infection with T. gondii , there is currently no information on the genotypes occurring in this species. This study employed qPCR for the detection of T. gondii in opportunistically obtained tissue samples from eastern barred bandicoot carcasses ( n = 113) from Victoria, followed by determination of genotype using a DNA sequence-based virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Overall, 19.5 % of the samples were positive for T. gondii using qPCR. The RFLP analysis revealed the dominance of T. gondii type II while a type II-like genotype was found in two isolates. This is the first study to provide information on prevalent genotypes of T. gondii in eastern barred bandicoots. Epidemiological studies of definitive and intermediate hosts, including further genotyping, are recommended to better understand T. gondii epidemiology for the successful recovery of eastern barred bandicoots in Australia. • Eastern barred bandicoots ( Perameles gunnii ) were tested for Toxoplasma gondii. • 19.5 % (22/113) of animals were positive for T. gondii using qPCR. • Genotyping analysis revealed type II and type II-like genotypes of T. gondii. • This is the first report of molecular characterisation of T. gondii in bandicoots. • Toxoplasmosis may threaten the survival of this critically endangered marsupial.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101071

Authors: K.L.D. Tharaka D. Liyanage, Michael Lynch, Oluwadamilola S. Omotainse, Chunlei Su, Jasmin Hufschmid, Abdul Jabbar

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, Zoos Victoria, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930