Molecular Diagnostics of Toxoplasma gondii, the World's Most Interesting Parasite, in Diverse Floridian Avifauna
Abstract
T. gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects terrestrial mammals and birds worldwide; it also has important impacts on human and wildlife health. Data on this parasite’s prevalence in our local (South Florida) ecosystem is lacking, which could help inform both public health and conservation efforts. Our questions for this study include: a) how prevalent is this parasite locally? b) do avian species differ in infection rates? c) does parasite abundance differ between localities?
Thus far, tissues have been dissected from carcasses provided by partner conversation facilities, including two very common South Florida bird species: Green Herons (a large wetland-associated wading bird) and Ovenbirds (a small migratory warbler), along with six other local species for a total of 16 individuals. From each individual bird, we have dissected heart, liver, muscle, and brain samples. We then purified total genomic DNA from each tissue sample for PCR testing of T. gondii infection.
Our results provide important insight into the prevalence and distribution of T. gondii within Southeastern species and landscapes. This is an important gap in current literature and is crucial for reducing rates of infection in humans and wildlife.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. David Kerstetter, Dr. Andrew T. Ozga, Dr. Eben Gering
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Molecular Diagnostics of Toxoplasma gondii, the World's Most Interesting Parasite, in Diverse Floridian Avifauna
Alvin Sherman Library
T. gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects terrestrial mammals and birds worldwide; it also has important impacts on human and wildlife health. Data on this parasite’s prevalence in our local (South Florida) ecosystem is lacking, which could help inform both public health and conservation efforts. Our questions for this study include: a) how prevalent is this parasite locally? b) do avian species differ in infection rates? c) does parasite abundance differ between localities?
Thus far, tissues have been dissected from carcasses provided by partner conversation facilities, including two very common South Florida bird species: Green Herons (a large wetland-associated wading bird) and Ovenbirds (a small migratory warbler), along with six other local species for a total of 16 individuals. From each individual bird, we have dissected heart, liver, muscle, and brain samples. We then purified total genomic DNA from each tissue sample for PCR testing of T. gondii infection.
Our results provide important insight into the prevalence and distribution of T. gondii within Southeastern species and landscapes. This is an important gap in current literature and is crucial for reducing rates of infection in humans and wildlife.
