Detecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) de vida livre

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan, which is responsible for acute and chronic infections in mammals, birds and humans. This short communication described, for the first time, DNA from T. gondii in a freeranging giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) baby’s blood sample by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Giant anteaters are considered species that are part of human consumption, also are prey of wild felines, so it is necessary to emphasize their importance as zoonosis and and the possible involvement of the infection enzootic cycle of the parasite. Further on the need for preservationist policies to control hunting because M. tridactyla is considered an endangered species.