DOI: 10.5443/11454
title: Preliminary evaluation of a qPCR for Toxplasma DNA in meat, an ELISA and agglutination test for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in serum, and filter strips for field blood collection, using samples collected from northern wildlife between 2006 and 2010

description: The data set includes sample identification, species, collection location (described using one or more of the following: name of a prominent geographic feature, nearest community, latitude and longitude), date of collection, date of testing, age, sex, sample type, results. Protocols are described and consist of a qPCR to detect Toxoplasma DNA in meat, a multispecies ELISA using a protein A/G conjugate and a commercial agglutination test kit (MAT) - both to detect anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in serum, and a filter strip procedure (Nobuto) for blood collection under field conditions. Limitations of preliminary results are discussed including the major factor in preventing timely evaluation of new diagnostic techniques for toxoplasmosis in wildlife which is the lack of known infected and negative animals from which to obtain control samples.
description: Purpose: This project was designed to develop diagnostic tools for toxoplasmosis in northern wildlife and to obtain preliminary evaluation data using tissues and sera from a variety of northern species with emphasis on animals traditionally harvested for food by Canadian Inuit and northern Aboriginal groups. The resultant datasets were expected to provide direction for refinement of the test methods, and an indication of the presence and distribution of toxoplasmosis in wildlife in northern Canada. This study was also intended to provide preliminary information to Public Health Agencies in the North for risk analysis, regulatory planning and public education in support of food safety initiatives.
description: Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is microscopic protozoan parasite that can infect most warm blooded animals including man and is readily transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Healthy humans are usually asymptomatic, but severe disease can occur in infants infected prior to birth and immune-deficient persons. This project was designed to develop diagnostic tools for toxoplasmosis and to obtain preliminary evaluation data using samples collected from a varitey of northern animals with emphasis on those harvested for food. The resultant datasets were expected to provide direction for refinement of the test methods, and an indication of the presence and distribution of toxoplasmosis in wildlife in northern Canada. This study was also intended to provide preliminary information to Public Health Agencies in the North for risk analysis, regulatory planning and public education in support of food safety initiatives. A molecular method to detect Toxoplasma DNA in meat, two serological methods to detect anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in blood, and a filter paper procedure for blood collection under northern field conditions were evaluated. The data, although preliminary, indicated good potenial for the techniques under study and form the basis for followup work in this area. The major factor preventing timely evaluation of new diagnostic techniques for toxoplasmosis in wildlife is the lack of known positive and negative target animals from which to obtain control samples.