Prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

Researchers detected Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 10.5% of small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, suggesting domestic or feral cats may spread this zoonotic pathogen to native wildlife. Using latex agglutination and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, the study identified early-stage infections, with antibody peaks in 7-8 and/or 12-14 fractions. The findings highlight the potential ecological impact of T. gondii transmission among island species, emphasizing the need for further research to mitigate its spread and preserve ecosystem health.

ITO, K., ABE, S., YAMASHITA, R., SUMIYAMA, D., KANAZAWA, T., & MURATA, K. (2020). Prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 82(2), 229–231. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.19-0536