First record of Toxoplasma gondii antibodiesin Royal Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in India

The purpose of this study was to detect the antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in Royal Bengal tigers ( Panthera tigris tigris ), Asiatic lions ( Panthera leo persica ), leopards ( Panthera pardus ), and elephants ( Elephas maximus indicus ) residing in the Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, in Chhatbir, Punjab (India) during winter and monsoon seasons. Using  indirect ELISA, 20 serum samples were analysed during the winter season. Results indicated that 1 lion (5%) tested seropositive, and 3 tigers and 1 lion (20%) were considered suspect. During the monsoon, 4 individuals (2 tigers and 2 lions, 20%) were seropositive, whereas only 1 tiger (5%) gave suspected results. Significantly higher globulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, and creatine kinase values were recorded in seropositive and suspected groups. Levels of albumin, glucose, calcium, sodium, and iron decreased significantly in the seronegative group. Results from sero-testing 40 rodents trapped in and around the park depicted the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in 1 individual. This study reveals the haemato-biochemical alterations in both seropositive and suspected wild felids for toxoplasmosis. Moreover, it provides the first serological evidence of T. gondii exposure in wild felids, notably Royal Bengal tigers and Asiatic lions, in India.