Detection of toxoplasma gondii in a eurasian badger (Meles meles) living in wildlife areas of Izmir, Turkey

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular protozoon parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in humans and all warm-blooded animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of T. gondii DNA in a Eurasian badger (Meles meles) that was found dead in the wildlife area of Izmir. According to the results of real time polymerase chain reaction, T. gondii REP gene was found to be positive in the Eurasian badger brain homogenate. In conclusion, Eurasian badger, a known carnivore, can be a potential source of toxoplasmosis in the natural settings of İzmir, Turkey.