Toxoplasma gondii (rtPCR) - Equine
The Toxoplasma gondii real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) test is a highly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic tool used to detect the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that can infect equines and other mammals. Although horses are considered resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis, they can serve as intermediate hosts, potentially experiencing systemic or neurological signs in rare cases. Infection occurs primarily through ingestion of oocysts shed by infected cats, contaminated feed or water, or consumption of tissues harboring bradyzoites. The rtPCR test directly detects T. gondii DNA in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or tissue samples, allowing for rapid identification of active infections. This method is particularly useful for diagnosing rare cases of systemic or neurological disease caused by T. gondii in horses and for differentiating toxoplasmosis from other conditions with overlapping symptoms.
5g fecal sample
Ideally, fecal samples should be taken directly from the rectum. If samples are collected from the ground, they should be taken from the surface of a freshly deposited stool.
An appropriate sample size is 5g in a leak proof sterile container.
Preferably submit the sterile container in a zip-locktype plastic bag
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
Dubey, J.P., et al. "Overview of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Horses: Clinical and Diagnostic Perspectives." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
Hinchcliff, K.W., et al. "Advances in Molecular Diagnostics for Equine Protozoal Infections: Focus on Toxoplasma gondii." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
Pusterla, N., et al. "Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Equine Patients: Applications and Insights." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023