Retinal lesion in a Toxoplasma gondii seropositive Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) in a private zoo, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

One of 25 Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris) at a private zoo in Kanchanaburi Province had seropositive against Toxoplasma gondii infection. The animals were physical and ophthalmic examined during routine annual health check in February, 2013. All of them appeared in normal condition and had no signs of illness. Their blood was tested negative for feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis virus and Toxoplasma gondii using molecular detection of viral antigen. The serological test for T. gondii infection was performed by latex agglutination test. The seropositive tiger was a 9 years old female tiger which ophthalmic examination also shown a retinal lesion, a spot of hyperreflective area in right fundus of the right eye. T. gondii had been shown to implicate as a major contributor to retinal lesions in felids. Serological evidence and lesion found in the Bengal tiger in this study consistent with T. gondii infection. Hence, it was considered as a potential cause. Further study should be performed to confirm the infection and to identify risk factors for prevention.