Toxoplasma gondii infection in pig intended for human consumption: seroprevalence, risk factors and influence of biosecurity measures / Infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em suínos destinados ao consumo humano: soroprevalência, fatores de risco e influência de medidas de biosseguridade

Abstract A serologic and epidemiologic study was carried out in order to determinate herd and animal seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in commercial pigs from Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 416 pigs from 55 producer farms in 27 municipalities. An indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) was performed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and identify the associated risk factors using a questionnaire. The T. gondii antibody prevalence rate in commercial swine herds was 15.4% (64/416) using a cutoff of 1:64. The seropositivity for T. gondii was related to the presence of cats, water origin and age of swine in the increase of seroprevalence, and the existence of internal isolation fences and use of composting chambers as protective factors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report anti- T. gondii antibodies in the serum of pigs in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. This finding is important to public health because seropositive pigs can harbor tissue cysts in their meat, thereby representing a zoonotic risk for consumers of raw or undercooked porcine meat or its products.

Resumo Um estudo sorológico e epidemiológico foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a soroprevalência nas granjas e animais e também em fatores associados para Toxoplasma gondii em suínos comerciais do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 416 suínos de 55 granjas produtoras de 27 municípios. A reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) foi realizada com o uso de questionário, para estimar a soroprevalência do T. gondii e identificar os fatores de risco associados. A taxa de prevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii, nos rebanhos comerciais de suínos, foi de 15,4% (64/416) com ponto de corte de 1:64. A soropositividade para T. gondii foi relacionada à presença de gatos, origem da água, a idade dos suínos no aumento da soroprevalência, a existência de cercas de isolamento interno e uso de câmaras de compostagem como fatores de proteção. De acordo com este estudo, ele é o primeiro a relatar anticorpos anti-T. gondii no soro de suínos no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Este achado é importante para a saúde pública, pois suínos soropositivos podem abrigar cistos teciduais em suas carnes, representando um risco zoonótico para os consumidores de carne suína crua ou mal cozida ou seus produtos.

Frequency of enteroparasitoses in preschool children attending daycare centers: a survey applying parasitological and immunological methods

The present study evaluated the frequency of intestinal parasitoses in children in public day care centers applying parasitological and immunological diagnostic methods. Fecal samples from 121 children from six public daycare centers were analyzed using parasitological techniques. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire, where parents and / or guardians were asked, for instance, whether the children had contact with soil, ate raw food, such as vegetables or raw or undercooked meat, normally walked around barefoot or had contact with animals. Fecal samples from 82 children were also tested for Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium sp. coproantigen using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which was also used for Entamoeba coproantigen detection only in samples that tested positive for the parasite by parasitological stool exam/optical microscopy. Intestinal parasite infection was noted in 23.1% (28/121) of the children. The most frequent parasite was Giardia intestinalis (13.2%), followed by Entamoeba coli (5.8%), Blastocystis spp. (1.7%), Endolimax nana (1.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%), Cystoisospora belli (0.8%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex (0.8%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). Positivity for parasite infection using parasitological stool exams was significantly associated with age groups, with a higher frequency in 4 to 6 year old children (p=0.03). No association or significant variations were noted in the prevalence of intestinal parasites in relation to the epidemiological variables studied. All samples were negative for Cryptosporidium sp. and Entamoeba histolytica detected by immunological testing, and 17.1% (14/82) children tested positive for Giardia intestinalis, although using parasitological exam/optical microscopy, only 14.6% (12/82) tested positive. The high incidence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoans, suggests probable interpersonal transmission among the children, environmental contamination, or even contaminated food/water intake. Thus, consolidation of preventive measures and efficient diagnostic resources as well as control of intestinal parasites and patient treatment are of utmost importance

Toxoplasma gondii molecular and immunological identification and risk factors associated with infection in chicken slaughtered at Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Identificação molecular e imunológica de Toxoplasma gondii e fatores de risco associados com infecção em galinhas abatidas na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum of slaughtered chickens in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to detect the parasite in tissues (heart and brain) of serologically positive chickens, based on molecular analysis, and to investigate risk variables associated with the infection. Sera from 417 chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems were tested by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in brain and heart tissues. Antibody anti-T. gondii were found in 37.65% (157/417) of chickens by IFAT, and in 75.06% (313/417) by IHA. The Kappa index showed a weak concordance between the techniques (0.087). Association was observed between seropositivity and the variables, age (p < 0.0001), type of feeding (p < 0.0001) and collective raising with other animal's species (p < 0.0001). Association, based on IFAT, was not observed between seropositivity and the variables, sex (p = 0.0526), presence of cats (p > 0.9999), and presence of rats (p > 0.9999). Presence of parasite DNA was detected in brain samples from two chickens, which were raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results suggest the meat of these slaughtered animals may serve as a transmission source of this protozoan to humans.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em soro de galinhas abatidas na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, detectar molecularmente o parasito em tecidos (coração e cérebro) de algumas das aves sorologicamente positivas e averiguar variáveis de risco associadas à infecção. Foram testados soros de 417 galinhas, criadas nos sistemas extensivo, semi-intensivo e intensivo. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizada a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e Hemaglutinação Indireta (HAI). A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detectar o DNA de T. gondii em fragmentos de cérebro e coração. Anticorpos foram detectados no soro de 37,65% (157/417) das aves pela RIFI e em 75,06% (313/417) pela HAI. O índice Kappa mostrou uma fraca concordância entre as técnicas (0,087). Baseado na RIFI, foi verificada associação estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,0001) entre a soropositividade e as variáveis: idade, tipo de alimentação e criação em conjunto com outras espécies animais. Não foi observada associação estatística (p > 0,01) entre as variáveis: sexo, presença de gatos e presença de ratos. Pelo diagnóstico molecular DNA do parasito foi detectado em duas amostras de cérebro, de indivíduos diferentes criados em sistema intensivo e semi-intensivo. Os resultados indicam a possibilidade de a carne dessas aves poderem atuar como fonte de infecção deste protozoário para o homem.(AU)

Congenital toxoplasmosis: perception of knowledge and primary prevention measures among healthcare professionals and pregnant women treated in public healthcare facilities / Toxoplasmose congênita: percepção do conhecimento e medidas de prevenção primária entre profissionais de saúde e gestantes atendidas em unidades públicas de saúde

AIMS: To evaluate knowledge about toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and healthcare professionals and to evaluate the knowledge acquired by pregnant women after health education actions. METHODSethods: Five hundred pregnant women and 141 healthcare professionals from health units in Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, answered a questionnaire, received information about toxoplasmosis and had access to an interactive educational model and to folders between 2013 and 2016. After 3 months, 145 pregnant women answered the questionnaire once again. RESULTS: Of 500 pregnant women, 226 (45.2%) reported having heard about toxoplasmosis. Among these, 23.5% had obtained information from friends and 19.0% from their doctors. About their exposure to risk factors, 6.8% had had contact with cat feces; 14.0% had had contact with soil without gloves; 23.4% had ingested undercooked meat; and 24.0% had drunk unfiltered water from the public supply system. The questionnaires of 145 pregnant women before and after the educational activities were compared and showed that contact with soil without gloves dropped significantly from 11.0% to 4.8% (p = 0.022) while consumption of unfiltered water fell from 26.9% to 20.0% (p < 0.001). Washing foods (62.1%), washing hands (62.1%) and consumption of well-cooked meat (61.4%) were the most widely cited preventive measures. Many mistakes were reported among healthcare professionals, and one nursing technician and 13 community healthcare agents (9.9%) had not heard about toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of knowledge about toxoplasmosis by most of the interviewed pregnant women, in addition to the misconceptions observed among healthcare professionals, leads to the conclusion that little importance has been given so far to primary prevention of toxoplasmosis during the prenatal period. Also, health professionals' inadequate knowledge could be detrimental to secondary prevention, which consists of early detection and treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. In this study, educational intervention contributed to improving knowledge about the transmission and prevention of toxoplasmosis by pregnant women and, to a lesser extent, to reducing exposure to some risk factors.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o conhecimento da toxoplasmose entre gestantes e profissionais de saúde e avaliar o conhecimento adquirido pelas gestantes após ações de educação em saúde. MÉTODOS: Quinhentas gestantes e 141 profissionais de saúde provenientes de Unidades de Saúde de Niterói-RJ de 2013 a 2016, foram entrevistados por meio de um questionário, receberam informações sobre a toxoplasmose, tiveram acesso a um modelo educativo interativo e folders. Após três meses, 145 gestantes responderam novamente ao questionário. RESULTADOS: Das 500 gestantes, 226 (45,2%) relataram que já tinham ouvido falar sobre toxoplasmose. Destas, 23,5% tiveram informações por amigos e 19,0% pelo médico. Sobre exposição aos fatores de risco, 6,8% relataram contato com fezes de gatos; 14,0% tiveram contato com o solo sem luvas; 23,4% ingeriam carne mal passada; e 24,0% bebiam água de abastecimento público sem filtrar. Ao comparar os questionários de 145 gestantes antes e após atividades educativas, o contato com o solo sem uso de luvas teve redução significativa de 11,0% para 4,8% (p=0,022) e o consumo de água sem filtro reduziu de 26,9% para 20,0% (p=0,001). Foram mais citados como medidas preventivas a lavagem dos alimentos (62,1%), a lavagem das mãos (62,1%) e o consumo de carne bem cozida (61,4%). Dentre os profissionais de saúde, muitos erros foram relatados e um técnico de enfermagem e 13 agentes comunitários de saúde (9,9%) não conheciam a toxoplasmose. CONCLUSÕES: A falta de conhecimento sobre a toxoplasmose pela maioria das gestantes entrevistadas, além de concepções equivocadas por parte dos profissionais de saúde, levam à conclusão de que vem sendo dada pouca importância para a prevenção primária da toxoplasmose durante o período pré-natal. Adicionalmente, algumas falhas no conhecimento dos profissionais podem prejudicar até mesmo a prevenção secundária, que consiste na detecção e tratamento precoce da toxoplasmose na gestação. Neste estudo, a intervenção educacional contribuiu para aumentar o conhecimento sobre a transmissão e a prevenção da toxoplasmose entre as gestantes e, em menor extensão, para reduzir a exposição a alguns fatores de risco.

Knowledge about parasite infections among pregnant and postpartum women who attended a university hospital in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Parasite infections are frequent in Brazil during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge about parasite infections among pregnant and post-partum women, attending a public University Hospital in Niteroi, RJ, Brazil. Knowledge was assessed using a standardized interview and questionnaire. A total of 100 interviews were conducted (60 pregnant and 40 post-partum women). Educational achievement did not influence knowledge about parasites. The majority of the women interviewed stated that they habitually always washed hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was prevalent, but 17% did not wash them before eating and 39% ate raw or undercooked meat. Educational achievement and number of pregnancies did not influence hygiene habits. Neither the late pre-natal care nor the number of pregnancies influenced knowledge about parasites. Also, there was no correlation between the initial date of pre-natal care and the number of correct answers in the questionnaire. Similarly, there was no association between the initial date of pre-natal care and receiving information about parasite infections. 79% of the women interviewed stated that they had never received any information about parasite infection and pregnancy, and the harm it could cause to them and/or their baby. Despite advances in pre-natal care assistance in the last decade, the lack of knowledge among pregnant and post-partum women regarding parasites and risk factors for infection still remains.

Toxoplasmosis-rllated knowledge among pregnant nd postpartum women attended inn public health units in niterói, rio de janeiro, Braill / Conhecimento sobre toxoplasmose entre gestantes e puérperas atendidas na rede pública de saúde do município de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The present study conducted a toxoplasmosis-related knowledge level survey with 400 pregnant and puerperal women attended in public health units in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Only 111 (27.8%) women claimed to know about the disease. Most of them (n = 289; 72.2%) had never heard about toxoplasmosis nor knew how to prevent the infection by Toxoplasma gondii. A significant difference (p = 0.013) regarding the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG was observed between women who claimed to know about the disease and those who had never heard about it. These results highlight the importance of a systematic serological screening process for toxoplasmosis, as well as the importance of primary prevention by accurate information during prenatal care, an important Public Health action to be implemented.

Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento do conhecimento de 400 gestantes e puérperas atendidas na rede pública de saúde do município de Niterói, Estado do Rio de Janeiro sobre a toxoplasmose. Apenas 111 (27,8%) participantes relataram conhecer a doença. A maioria 289 (72,2%) nunca ouviu falar sobre a toxoplasmose, principalmente sobre as formas de prevenção da infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as pacientes que disseram conhecer a toxoplasmose e aquelas que relataram desconhecer a doença com relação à presença de anticorpos IgG anti- T.gondii (p = 0,013). Estes resultados permitem ressaltar a importância do rastreamento sorológico sistemático na infecção toxoplásmica, bem como a prevenção primária por meio de informações corretas durante o pré-natal, sendo esta uma importante medida de saúde pública a ser implementada.

Seroepidemiology Toxoplasma gondii infection in students of veterinary medicine and other courses of public universities in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

The aim of this study was to estimate the serum prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in two groups ofuniversity students: Veterinary Medicine (VM) and Other Courses (OC). Students from two public universities in the state of Rio de Janeiro were investigated to identify risk habits and behaviors for Toxoplasma gondii infection, and to guide primary prevention. All 839 students answered aquestionnaire about habits and behaviors (347 OC and 492 VM). A serum prevalence of 21.8 percent was observed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and ELISA. No statistically significant difference was observed between students of the universities. Serum prevalence (IFA and ELISA IgG) was16.1 percent in VM and 29.9 percent in OC. Six students were IgM seropositive, of which five were onlypositive in ELISA and one was positive with both diagnostic techniques (ELISA and IFA). Amongthose students, four were in the control group from UFF and one in each group from UFRRJ. The prevalence of students seropositive for toxoplasmosis was low in both universities and the resultsobtained suggest that veterinary students are probably not exposed to a higher risk than the generalpopulation for acquiring toxoplasmosis. Age, contact with cats, consumption of undercooked orraw meat, contact with campus soil and ignorance of prophylactic measures for toxoplasmosis werepositively associated with prevalence of infection by T. gondii.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a soroprevalência da infecção toxoplásmica em dois grupos de universitários, de Medicina Veterinária (MV) e de Outros Cursos (OC), de duas instituições públicas de ensino do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, buscando identificar hábitos e comportamentos de risco para infecção por este protozoário, e orientando sobre a prevenção primária. Dos 839 universitários, 492 eram da MV e 347 de OC. Todos os acadêmicos responderam a um questionário sobre seus hábitos e costumes. A soroprevalência (RIFI e ELISA IgG) foi de 16,1 por cento na MV e 29,9 por cento nos OC. Seis estudantes foram IgM soro reagentes, dos quais cinco eram apenas positivos no ELISA e um era positivo em ambas as técnicas de diagnóstico (ELISA e RIFI). Entre os estudantes, quatro eram do grupo de controle da UFF e um em cada grupo da UFRRJ. A prevalência de universitários soros reagentes para a toxoplasmose nas duas Universidades foi baixa e os resultados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que provavelmente os estudantes de Medicina Veterinária não estão expostos a um risco maior que os de outros cursos de adquirir a toxoplasmose. A idade, o contato com gatos, com o solo do campus, o consumo de carne crua ou mal-passada e o desconhecimento sobre a profilaxia da toxoplasmose influenciaram na prevalência da infecção por T. gondii.

Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant and postpartum women attended at public healthcare facilities in the City of Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Introduction To determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among pregnant and postpartum women attended within the public healthcare system in Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, and to detect possible exposure factors associated with T. gondii infection in this population. Methods IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were investigated in 276 pregnant and 124 postpartum women by using the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) and immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) techniques. The participants were selected by convenience sampling. All these 400 patients filled out a free and informed consent statement, answered an epidemiological questionnaire and were informed about the disease. Results Among the 400 samples analyzed, 234 (58.5%) were reactive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies, according to the IFAT and/or ELISA assay. One pregnant woman was found to be reactive to IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, with an intermediate IgG avidity test. Risk factor analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated (p<0.05) with age, contact with cats and presence of rodents at home. Through a logistic regression model, these associations were confirmed for age and contact with cats, while education at least of the high school level was found to be a protective factor. Conclusions The prevalence rate of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in the City of Niterói was high and the risk factors for infection detected after multivariate analysis were: age over 30 years, contact with cats and education levels lower than university graduate level. .

Ectopic dirofilariosis in two dogs from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil / Dirofilariose ectópica em dois cães do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Report of two canine dirofilariosis cases of ectopic location in the state of Rio de Janeiro. This is the first report of erratic migration for this parasitosis in dogs in the state, calling attention to the short period of time between the two cases. The fact that the area is endemic for this parasite, its zoonotic potential and the report of human cases in the state, demonstrates that authorities should be alerted to the control programs of dirofilariosis along with the pathogenic profile of the infections.

Relato de dois casos de dirofilariose canina de localização ectópica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Este é o primeiro relato de migração errática para esta parasitose em cães no Estado, e chama a atenção o curto espaço de tempo entre os dois casos. O fato da região ser endêmica para a parasitose, seu caráter zoonótico e o relato de casos humanos no Estado, demonstram que as autoridades competentes devem estar atentas aos programas de controle da dirofilariose assim como no perfil patogênico da infecção.

Estudo da contaminação de praças públicas de três municípios do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, por ovos e larvas de helmintos / Evaluation of the contamination of public squares of three regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by eggs and larvae of helminths

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a contaminação de praças públicas de três municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro por ovos e larvas de helmintos, observando-se também a presença de fezes de animais e de condições ambientais favoráveis para o desenvolvimento das estruturas infectantes. Foram analisadas amostras de 60 praças pelas técnicas de centrífugo-flutuação e sedimentação espontânea. deste total, 16 (26,7por cento) apresentaram-se positivas para a presença de ovos semelhantes aos de ancilostomídeos e 2 (3,3por cento), para Toxocara sp; em ambos os casos, foram analisadas amostras tanto de fezes quanto de solo. Foram encontradas 17 (34,7por cento) amostras fecais positivas e, em apenas 2 (3,3por cento) praças, o solo apresentou ovos desses parasitos. Foram observadas larvas de nematóides em 34 (56,7por cento) praças, incluindo todas as que foram positivas para ovos dos parasitos, exceto uma. Os resultados demonstram a viabilidade da transmissão de zoonoses causadas por helmintos de cães e gatos para a população que frequenta esses locais.

Soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em trabalhadores de um matadouro de suínos e em indivíduos com outras atividades na cidade de Palmas, Paraná, Brasil / Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in workers of a swine slaughterhouse and in individuals with other activities in the city of Palmas, Paraná, Brazil

O risco de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em trabalhadores de um frigorífico de suínos em Palmas, Paraná, Brasil, foi estudado comparativamente a outros indivíduos que não mantinham contato com animais e suas carcaças. As 174 amostras de soros foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo 1 - funcionários de um matadouro-frigorífico de suínos (133) e grupo 2 - controle (41). No ato da coleta, todos os participantes responderam a um questionário epidemiológico com as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade, contato com gatos e solo, hábito de ingerir carne crua ou mal cozida, embutidos crus e leite cru. Todas as amostras de soros foram submetidas aos testes ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) e RIFI (Reação de imunofluorescência indireta) - IgG anti-T. gondii; por sua vez, para IgM anti-T. gondii, foi utilizada a RIFI. Todos os 174 indivíduos eram IgM soro não-reagentes. No grupo 1, 48,1 por cento eram IgG sororreagentes na RIFI e 58,6 por cento na ELISA. No grupo 2, 39,0 por cento eram IgG sororreagentes na RIFI e 51,2 por cento na ELISA. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos 1 e 2 em todas as variáveis, com exceção de "contato com gatos", para o grupo 1, e de "ingestão de leite cru", para o grupo 2, que foram estatisticamente significativas. Os resultados sugerem que a manipulação de carcaças (cistos) não deve ter sido o único mecanismo de infecção envolvido na alta freqüência de sororeagentes na população estudada, embora possa ter contribuído na transmissão do parasita como fator de risco, assim como o contato com solo contaminado ou com gatos (oocistos).

The risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection in workers of a swine slaughterhouse in Palmas, Paraná, Brazil was compared to other individuals not exposed to these animals and its carcasses. The 174 serum samples were divided in two groups: group 1 - slaughterhouse workers (133), and group 2 - control (41). During blood sampling, workers answered an epidemiological questionnaire with the following variables: sex, age, contact with cats and soil, habit of eating raw or poorly cooked meat, sausages and raw milk. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies anti-T. gondii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and to the investigation of IgM antibodies anti-T. gondii by IFAT. All the 174 individuals examined were not IgM reacting. In the first group, 48.1 percent were IgG seroreacting by IFAT and 58.6 percent by ELISA. In the second group, 39.0 percent were IgG seroreacting in the IFAT and 51.2 percent. by ELISA. No statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 among the majority of the variables, except for the "contact with cats" in group 1 and "raw milk ingestion" in group 2. The results suggest that ingestion of cysts as a consequence of carcass manipulation probably was not the only mechanism involved in the high frequency of reactive serum in the studied population, although it should have contributed in the transmission of the parasite as risk factor, as well as contact with contamined soil or with cats (oocysts).

Perfil leucocitário de frangos de corte tratados com ocratoxina A / Leucocytes of broilers chickens treated with ochratoxin A

Alterações leucocitárias provocadas pela administração única de baixa dose de ocratoxina A foram avaliadas em 120 pintos deum dia da linhagem comercial de corte Hiyeld/Rezende. Os animais foram separados em três grupos experimentais: grupo 1(n=40) sem tratamento; grupo 2 (n=40) tratado com 40mg/Kg ocratoxina A e grupo 3 (n=40) tratado com solução salinatamponada. As amostras de sangue foram obtidas e analisadas no dia da aplicação, aos sete, 14 e 21 dias de vida. Foiobservada uma redução significativa (p<0,01) de leucócitos mononucleares (linfócitos e monócitos) nas aves tratadas comocratoxina A, caracterizando toxidez aguda decorrente da exposição à baixa dose da micotoxina em aves neonatas, após umaúnica exposição.

Leucocytes dysfunction caused by the administration of a single low dose of ochratoxin A (OTA) was evaluated in 120 one day oldchicks from broiler line HIYIELD/REZENDE. The study was carried out in three groups of animals: group 1 (n=40) with treatedanimals; group 2 (n=40) with animals treated with OTA and group 3 (n= 40), which received a phosphate buffered saline (PBS).Blood samples were obtained and analyzed in the same day of inoculation, and at seven, 14th and 21st days old. A significantreduction of mononuclear leukocytes was observed in the birds treated with OTA, suggesting an acute toxicity as a result of theexposure to a single low dose of OTA in neonatal chicks.