Detection of Blood Parasites and Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Animals in Dinder National Park, Sudan

Purpose:The study aims to investigate the presence of blood parasites and/or Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals at Dinder National Park, Sudan.Design/methodology/approach: Wild animals, including two female warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) (2.5-4 years), two male reedbuck (Redunca redunca) (1-2.5 years), and one male water buck (Kobus defassa) (3.5-4 years) were darted.Health observations, clinical and clinico-chemical parameters were determined.Blood samples were collected immediately after anaesthesia of animals.Blood smears were made for each blood sample to detect blood parasites.Sera were harvested from the blood samples and ELISA was carried out for the detection of IgG antibodies targeted against Toxoplasma gondii.Whole blood samples were used for DNA extraction in order to evidence the presence of T. gondii.A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the B1 gene from purified DNA samples and some haematological parameters were determined.Findings: Body temperature (ºC) was elevated in reedbuck (45.34±0.8)while the pulse rate of the reedbuck (Pulse/min.)43.92±17.71and respiratory rate of the warthog (Breath/min) 41.46±10.65 were also elevated.Anaplasma spp. was detected in one of the reedbuck and both warthogs blood smear samples, while Theileria spp was detected in the other reedbuck and water buck samples.Positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in the two warthog sera samples.T. gondii was detected from whole blood in only one warthog.The average levels for the haematological parameters were: WBC were 8.25±1.23x10 3 /mm 3 , 2.45±0.95x10 3 /mm 3 and 3.8±0.72x10 3/mm 3 , RBC were 5.03±3.86x106 / mm 3 , 7.52±1.22x10 6/mm 3 , and 11.27±1.66x106 /mm 3 , and Hb were 12.75±1.69g/dl,17.35±1.23g/dland 16.87±2.86g/dlfor the warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus), reedbuck (Redunca redunca), and water buck (Kobus defassa) respectively.Originality/value: The findings of this study confirm that wildlife in Dinder National Park carry Anaplasma, Theileria and T. gondii organisms, and could serve as reservoirs of infection for domestic animals.Research limitations/implications: Further studies are needed to establish solid findings on the blood parasites and Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals in Dinder National Park.Practical implications: Detailed investigations, including molecular characterisation of different Theileria spp.and Anaplasma spp.