Laura Berger

Mrs. Laura Berger

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 February 2025 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ACAna Cláudia Calchi
Ana Cláudia Calchi
JMJoares Adenilson May-Junior
Joares Adenilson May-Junior
VBVinícius Baggio-Souza
Vinícius Baggio-Souza
LBLaura Berger
Laura Berger
RFRenata Fagundes-Moreira
Renata Fagundes-Moreira
MAMarcos André
Marcos André
Domestic and wild felids are frequently parasitized by apicomplexan protozoa in the genus Cytauxzoon. Expanding species diversity has recently been described within this genus, with potential implications for epidemiology and pathogenesis. In light of these findings, this study assessed the genetic diversity of Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids (n = 66) from different eco-regions of Brazil and Argentina. Of the 66 blood samples analyzed, 53 (80.3%) were 18S rRNA gene PCR-positive for Cytauxzoon spp., including 43 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 10 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Panthera onca specimens (100%, 43/43) were most frequently infected, followed by Leopardus pardalis (76.9%; 10/13). Cytauxzoon spp. were not detected in Leopardus braccatus (n = 1) or Puma concolor (n = 9). Phylogenetic analyses of fragments of the 18S rRNA, cytB, and cox-1 gene sequences from jaguars were closely related to Cytauxzoon felis. In contrast, sequences from ocelots were more closely associated with Cytauxzoon brasiliensis. Distance and haplotype analysis further confirmed the circulation of at least two distinct genovariants of C. felis among jaguars, as evidenced by their close positioning and low genetic divergence (0–0.14% for 18S rRNA, 0.37–0.56% for cytB, and 0.08–0.74% for cox-1). Additionally, sequence data from ocelots suggested that multiple genovariants of C. brasiliensis are circulating among these cats in different Brazilian eco-regions. Our study provides evidence of two distinct Cytauxzoon organisms parasitizing free-ranging and captive jaguars and ocelots, respectively, in Brazil and Argentina.

8 May 2025 in Microbial Pathogenesis
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
VBVinícius Baggio-Souza
Vinícius Baggio-Souza
LBLaura Berger
Laura Berger
AMAnna Mongruel
Anna Mongruel
RMRafaela Mallmann-Bohn
Rafaela Mallmann-Bohn
ARAdeyldes Oliveira Reis
Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
JSJoão Fabio Soares
João Fabio Soares

21 January 2025 in Veterinary Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
USUgo Araújo Souza
Ugo Araújo Souza
LBLaura Berger
Laura Berger
RFRenata Fagundes-Moreira
Renata Fagundes-Moreira
VBVinícius Baggio-Souza
Vinícius Baggio-Souza
ARAdeyldes Reis
Adeyldes Reis
JSJoão Fabio Soares
João Fabio Soares