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"Lixin Zhang"

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"Lixin Zhang"

Original Article
Development of Toxoplasma gondii Chinese I genotype Wh6 Strain in Cat Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Guihua Zhao, Lixin Zhang, Lisha Dai, Haozhi Xu, Chao Xu, Ting Xiao, Jun Li, Hui Sun, Beibei Zhou, Kun Yin
Korean J Parasitol 2022;60(4):241-246.
Published online August 24, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2022.60.4.241
Felids are the unique definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii. The intestine of felid is the only site for initiating Toxoplasma gondii sexual reproduction. T. gondii excretes millions of infectious oocysts from the intestine, which are the primary source of infection. There are many difficulties in developing vaccines and drugs to control oocyst excretion due to the lack of an appropriate experimental model. Here, we established an in vitro feline intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) infection system and an efficient animal model of T. gondii Chinese 1 genotype, Wh6 strain (TgCtwh6). The Kunming mice brain tissues containing TgCtwh6 cysts were harvested 42-day post-infection. The bradyzoites were co-cultured with cat IECs in vitro at a ratio of 1:10. Five 3-month-old domestic cats were orally inoculated with 600 cysts each. The oocysts were detected by daily observation of cat feces by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. We found that the parasite adhered and invaded cat IECs in vitro, transformed into tachyzoites, and then divided to form rose-like structures. These parasites eventually destroyed host cells, escaped, and finished the asexual reproduction process. Schizonts associated with sexual reproduction have not been observed during development in vitro cultured cells. However, schizonts were detected in all infected cat intestinal epithelial cells, and oocysts were presented in all cat feces. Our study provides a feasible cell model and an efficient infection system for the following studies of T. gondii sexual reproduction, and also lays a foundation to develop drugs and vaccines for blocking excretion and transmission of oocysts.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • Detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in environmental samples in Gaza, Palestine: A combined parasitological and molecular approach
    Zuhair Dardona, Adnan Al Hindi, Mohamed Hafidi, Ali Boumezzough, Fadel Sharif, Samia Boussaa
    One Health Bulletin.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The development and excretion of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst manipulate the gut microbiota in its definitive host
    Gui-Hua Zhao, Bei-Bei Zhou, Zhi-Heng Cao, Ting Xiao, Ya-Nan Li, Wen-Ju Zhu, Hang Sun, Huan-Huan Xie, Xiao-Man Xie, Jun-Mei Zhang, Qi Wang, Xin Zhang, Jin-Jing Xie, Hong-Jie Dong, Chao Xu, Kun Yin
    Parasites & Vectors.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Toxoplasma gondii alters gut microbiota and systemic metabolism in cats: A multi-omics approach
    Ji-Xin Zhao, Xue-Yao Wang, Xuancheng Zhang, Lu-Yao Tang, Shi-Chen Xie, Yi-Han Lv, Zhi Zheng, Ying-Qian Gao, Jing Jiang, Xiao-Xuan Zhang, He Ma
    The Veterinary Journal.2025; 314: 106455.     CrossRef
  • Proteomics analysis of Toxoplasma gondii merozoites reveals regulatory proteins involved in sexual reproduction
    Guihua Zhao, Hongjie Dong, Lisha Dai, Huanhuan Xie, Hang Sun, Junmei Zhang, Qi Wang, Chao Xu, Kun Yin
    Microbial Pathogenesis.2024; 186: 106484.     CrossRef
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