Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wildlife: a review

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan of ubiquitous nature, that has adaptations to which are attribueted such characteristic. The shedding of oocysts by wild felines and the wide range of species that may serve as intermediate hosts are the main factors of its presence in the natural environments. The provision of raw meat to the carnivores and the existence of a large number of potential hosts in the vicinities of Felidae precincts, as well as the presence of stray cats in the zoos, may explain the prevalence of infection in these captive animals. The action of mechanical agents, such as the wind and insects, contributes to the dissemination of this parasite.