ABSTRACT
Abstract Little is known about Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle living in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biome in Brazil. In particular, there is no epidemiological data relating to infection in quilombo lands, i.e. areas settled by Afro-descendants of escaped slaves. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombo, in the Cerrado biome. Blood samples were collected from 1533 cattle for antibody detection using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The study area was subdivided into five macroregions to determine the spatial distribution of infection. An objective questionnaire was applied to the cattle owners to evaluate risk factors, which were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. The prevalence of T. gondii infection among cattle was 8.93% (137/1533), and antibodies were found in 49.6% of the herds (66/133), in all macroregions. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cattle were the following: number of animals in the herd (OR: 30.56), purchase of cattle (OR: 2.57), age group (OR: 1.95) and average annual temperature (OR: 1.77). Thus, the occurrence rate, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombola community are documented here, for the first time.
Resumo A ocorrência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em bovinos, no bioma cerrado brasileiro, é pouco conhecida. Particularmente, não existem dados epidemiológicos relativos à infecção em terras quilombolas, áreas formadas por descendentes de escravos africanos refugiados. O estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência, a distribuição espacial e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por T. gondii em bovinos, na comunidade remanescente de quilombos Kalunga, no bioma cerrado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 1.533 bovinos para detecção de anticorpos pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). A área em estudo foi dividida em cinco macrorregiões para determinação da distribuição espacial da infecção. Um questionário objetivo foi aplicado aos proprietários dos bovinos para a avaliação dos fatores de risco, os quais foram analisados por meio de análise univariada e regressão logística. Verificou-se ocorrência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em 8,93% (137/1533) dos bovinos, com anticorpos detectados em 49,6% (66/133) dos rebanhos de todas as macrorregiões. Os fatores de risco associados à infecção foram: número de animais no rebanho (OR: 30,56), compra de bovinos (OR: 2,57), faixa etária dos animais (OR: 1,95) e temperatura anual média (OR: 1,77). Assim, documentam-se, de forma inédita, a ocorrência, a distribuição espacial e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por T. gondii em bovinos na comunidade quilombola Kalunga.
Subject(s)
Animals , Toxoplasma , Cattle Diseases/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Cattle , Antibodies, Protozoan , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. A total of 123 female buffalo blood samples were collected from five properties distributed in the state of Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test was used to study anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 28.5% (35/123; CI 20.7-37.3%) and on different properties, the occurrence ranged from 28.6% to 80.0%, with 100% of the properties showing animals with positive results. The serovars of the serogroup Sejroe with a higher incidence were Hardjoprajtino (CTG strain, 49.1%) and Hardjo (Prajtino genotype, 43.2%), followed by serogroup Grippotyphosa with the Grippotyphosa serovar (3.9%), serogroup Pomona with the Pomona serovar (1.9%), and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni (1.9%). This was the first record of the occurrence of anti-Lepstospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. Control measures are necessary to prevent health and economic losses, given that the agent involved affects animal reproduction, triggering drops in conception rates or even clinical cases of abortion.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Cattle , Buffaloes/microbiology , Cattle Diseases/blood , Leptospira/immunology , Leptospirosis/veterinary , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Brazil , Agglutination Tests , Buffaloes/immunology , Cattle Diseases/immunology , Cattle Diseases/microbiology , Serogroup , Leptospira/isolation & purification , Leptospira/genetics , Leptospirosis/immunology , Leptospirosis/microbiology , Leptospirosis/blood , Antibodies, Bacterial/immunologyABSTRACT
Abstract Neosporosis is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes reproductive problems, making it a limitation for optimal efficiency in livestock. The aim of the present study was to conduct a seroepidemiological survey for bubaline neosporosis and to analyse associated factors associated with N. caninum infection in female water buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The prevalence of N. caninum infection in the bubaline herds examined was 35.4% (122/345; 95% CI: 30.4%-40.7%), at least 1 Neospora-positive animal was found in each farm. Associated factors for N. caninum infection identified in this study were exclusive pasture feeding (OR: 5.91, p <0.001) and purchase of animals of free fair and from reputable sellers (OR: 1.85; p =0.045). In this survey, we document the occurrence of neosporosis in female water buffaloes. Associated factors should be controlled in order to reduce the risk of N. caninum infection in these herds.
Resumo A neosporose é uma das principais doenças parasitárias que causa problemas reprodutivos, torna-se possível limitar para a máxima eficiência na pecuária. Objetivou-se com este estudo realizar um inquérito soroepidemiológico e analisar os fatores associados à infecção por N. caninum em fêmeas bubalinas no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Observou-se uma prevalência de 35,4% (122/345; IC 95%: 30,4%-40,7%) para infecção por N. caninum e 100% das propriedades possuíam ao menos um animal positivo. Os fatores associados à infecção por N. caninum neste estudo foram alimentação exclusiva a pasto (OR: 5,91; p<0,001) e aquisição de animais de feiras livres e criadores conhecidos (OR: 1,85; p=0,045). Registra-se a ocorrência da infecção por N. caninum em fêmeas bubalinas e os fatores associados que precisam ser corrigidos para reduzir o risco de infecção nesses rebanhos.