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Year 2012 - Volume 32, Number 10
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Epidemiological situation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in equids from Brejo Paraibano microregion, Brazil, 32(10):995-1000
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ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho R.B., Malta K.C., Oliveira J.M.B., Albuquerque P.P.F., Mota R.A., Assis Santana V.L., Alves L.C. & Pinheiro Jr J.W. 2012. [Epidemiological situation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in equids from Brejo Paraibano microregion, Brazil.] Situação epidemiológica da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em equídeos na microrregião do Brejo Paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 32(10):995-1000. Laboratório de Doenças Infecto Contagiosas, Unidade Acadêmica de Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Boa Vista, Garanhuns, PE 55296-901. E-mail: jrwilton@uag.ufrpe.br
The objective of the study was to characterize the epidemiological situation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in equids from Brejo Paraibano microregion, Northeastern Brazil. Antibodies against T. gondii were investigated in samples of 257 equids (204 horses, 46 mules and seven donkeys) in 26 properties. For serological diagnosis was used the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and a cut-off of 1:64. The number of foci was found to be 46.1%. In the samples analyzed, the overall prevalence was 7.8% (C.I. 4.8-8.8). The prevalence was 8.3% (C.I. 4.9-13.0) for horses, 2.2% (C.I. 0.1-11.5) for mules and 28.6% (C.I. 3.7-71.0) among donkeys. Logistic regression of the variables showed that the water source was a risk factor, because in those properties that supplied running water to the animals the risk of infection was 4.4 times higher than in those properties which provided standing water (OR 4.4; C.I. 1.0-19.0). This is the first report of the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in equids in this micro-region of Paraiba State. To reduce the risk of infection in these species, good quality water should be given to the animals, as well as access of cats to water sources and facilities where animals are kept must be avoided. |
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