Molecular characterization and epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from free-range chickens in the southwest region of Goiás: new genotypes

The purpose of this study was to isolate Toxoplasma gondii from tissues of free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goias, to detect and molecularly characterize the genetic material of the parasite, and to determine the seroprevalence of the protozoan parasite in these animals. A seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies of 76% (19/25) was found among the chickens, while genetic material from their tissues was detected in 56% (14/25). A total of 14 isolates was obtained in the bioassay, ten of which were considered acute, eight were considered isolates of high virulence lethal to mice, and four of low virulence, considered non-lethal but with the ability to chronify the infection. Seven of the ten isolates showed significant morphometric differences from the RH strain, in terms of nucleus-complex-apical distance, length and width. Genotyping of the acute isolates was performed by RFLP-PCR, using 11 genetic markers: SAG1, SAG2 (3'SAG2 and 5'SAG2), alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and APICO. The results were compared and classified according to the genotypes listed on the ToxoDB Platform, where different profiles were observed indicating the presence of two known genotypes (#7 and #63) and five new genotypes (NEW 3, NEW4, NEW5, NEW6, NEW 7). The results showed high seroprevalence, isolation rate, molecular detection and genotypic variations of T. gondii in free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goias.