Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats in the State of Paraíba, Brazil

Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. 2012 Oct-Dec;21(4):399-404. doi: 10.1590/s1984-29612012005000002. Epub 2012 Nov 27.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Goat Diseases / blood
  • Goat Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Goat Diseases / parasitology*
  • Goats
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / blood
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan