Besnoitia darlingi (Protozoa: Toxoplasmatinae): Cyclic Transmission by Cats

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two of 5 opossums [Didelphis marsupialis] examined from the Kansas City area [USA] were infected with B. darlingi. Inoculation of cysts resulted in acute lethal infections in mice and hamsters. Chronic infections with development of tissue cysts were obtained in mice by prophylaxis with sulfadiazine. Cysts were fed to cats and a dog which resulted in the shedding of isosporoid oocysts by cats. The prepatent period was 11-14 days. Unsporulated oocysts averaged 11.9 by 12.3 .mu.m and sporulated in 48-72 h. Mouse-to-mouse transmission was achieved by injecting triturated tissue containing cysts. This is the 3rd species of Besonitia to be cyclically transmitted by cats.