Seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Croatia

Toxoplasmosis is a food- and waterborne zoonosis of a great importance, ranked as the fourth most important foodborne parasitosis in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar (Sus scrofa) and to identify genotypes circulating in Croatia. A total of 103 wild boars from four hunting areas in Croatia were screened. Cardiac fluid samples were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by MAT, while heart samples were tested for T. gondii DNA using qPCR. The seroprevalence in the cardiac fluid reached 54.4%, while 19.4% of the heart samples were positive by qPCR. The highest seroprevalence was detected in the hunting ground Visocica with 95.6%. Partial microsatellite genotyping was achieved for 2/20 qPCR-positive heart samples suggesting type II strain of T. gondii. Relatively high seroprevalence and detection of T. gondii DNA in tested samples highlights the risk of human infection through consumption of undercooked meat. Further studies focusing on parasite detection in wild boar meat, especially across different climates, are needed to understand regional differences. Expanding research to other wildlife species is also important to clarify their role in the spread of T. gondii.