Toxoplasma gondii infection in Amami spiny rat on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

Researchers have identified the first confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the endangered Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. The discovery was made through histopathological analysis and genetic sequencing of a deceased specimen, which revealed infections in the liver, lungs, and heart. Using nested or semi-nested PCRs targeting specific genes (B1, SAG3, GRA6, and ROP18), the study detected T. gondii genomic DNA and determined that the strain was related to the type II lineage. This finding sheds light on the potential impact of protozoan infections on this critically endangered rodent species, which is endemic to the island's forests.

Tokiwa, T., Yoshimura, H., Hiruma, S., Akahori, Y., Suzuki, A., Ito, K., Yamamoto, M., & Ike, K. (2019). Toxoplasma gondii infection in Amami spiny rat on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 9, 244–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.001