Epidemiological analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Lúcio E.C., Clemente S.M.S., Pimentel J.L., Oliveira J.M.B., Silva Júnior J.L., Albuquerque P.P.F., Mota R.A. & Pinheiro Junior J.W. [Epidemiological analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in Pernambuco, Brasil.] Análise epidemiológica da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 38(1):13-18, 2016. Laboratório de Doenças Infecto-Contagiosas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brasil. E-mail: wiltonjrufrpe@gmail.com The aim of the present study was to assess epidemiological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection among goats in the Agreste and Sertão regions of the state of Pernambuco in Brazil. In total, 348 serum samples were analyzed by the Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) technique to detect IgG anti-T. gondii, considering a dilution of 1:64 as the cut-off point. Investigative questionnaires were used to analyze risk factors through objective questions, answered by the breeder, about the productive, reproductive and sanitary management characteristics of the property. Multivariate and univariate analysis were carried out, based on a logistical regression model, considering the serological status of the animal as the dependent variable (positive or negative) and the spatial distribution of foci. Of the 348 goat serum samples analyzed, 90 (25.86% C.I. 21.41% – 30.86%) were positive, with nine foci (60.00%). Of the ninety-positive samples, 21 (23.34%) exhibited titers of 64; 15 (16.67%) titers of 128; 17 (18.89%) titers of 256; 23 (25.55%) titers of 512 and 14 samples (15.55%) titers of 1024. In the analysis of the logistical regression, semi-intensive management was confirmed as a risk factor (OR 9.96; C.I. 2.30 - 43.14). In conclusion, there is an elevated number of foci of the infection in the region studied, which indicates the need to design animal health planning projects, to implement control and prophylactic measures, and to make the producers aware of animal health requirements and the risk that this infection can generate for the health of the general public.