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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Dog Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:273-290. [PMID: 31919799 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. METHODS Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). RESULTS The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25-19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide.
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Souza IBD, Fernandes PR, Silva TRM, Santos CVB, Silva NMMD, Ubirajara Filho CRC, Carvalho GAD, Alves LC, Mota RA, Ramos RAN. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from an urban area of North-eastern Brazil: a spatial approach. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20180440. [PMID: 30994810 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0440-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs. METHODS Blood samples (n = 241) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies. The spatial distribution was evaluated using kernel density estimation (KDE). RESULTS Anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 24.06% (58/241) and 9.54% (23/241) of samples, respectively. A heterogeneous spatial distribution of positive dogs was observed across the city. CONCLUSIONS These data are pivotal for better understanding the dynamics of infection caused by these protozoa in the canine population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cleber Vinicius Brito Santos
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Calero-Bernal R, Dubey JP, Gennari SM. All about neosporosis in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 26:253-279. [PMID: 28876360 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is protozoan parasite with domestic and wild dogs, coyotes and grey wolves as the definitive hosts and many warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. It was cultivated and named in 1988. Neosporosis is a major disease of cattle and has no public health significance. Since 1990's N. caninum has emerged as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, including in Brazil. N. caninum also causes clinical infections in several other animal species. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology of N. caninum and there are more than 200 papers on this subject from Brazil. However, most of the reports on neosporosis from Brazil are serological surveys. Overall, little is known of clinical neosporosis in Brazil, particularly cattle. The few reports pertain to sporadic cases of abortion with no information on epidemics or storms of abortion. The objective of the present review is to summarize all reports from Brazil and suggest topic for further research, including prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in soil or in canine feces, and determining if there are additional definitive hosts, other than the domestic dog. There is need for a national survey in cattle using defined parameters. Future researches should focus on molecular characterization of N. caninum strains, possibility of vaccine production and relationship between wildlife and livestock epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Koutsodontis Cerqueira-Cézar
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Jitender Prakash Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Benitez ADN, Gonçalves DD, Nino BDSL, Caldart ET, Freire RL, Navarro IT. SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN HUMANS AND DOGS FROM A SMALL MUNICIPALITY IN PARANA, BRAZIL. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v18e-42102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with important public health implications. The aims of this study were to determine and identify factors associated to the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in humans and dogs from Jataizinho, Parana State, Brazil. Serum samples from 280 humans and 766 dogs, from rural and urban areas, were tested by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Positive dilutions were ≥ 1:16. Epidemiological informations were obtained through an individual questionnaire and data tabulation was performed using EpiInfo 3.5.3 (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was evaluated by chi-square (ᵪ2) or Fisher's exact tests with a 5.0 % significance level. The seroprevalence in humans was 70.00% (196/280), as follows: 69.08% (143/207) in rural and 72.60% (53/73) in a slum urban community. The seroprevalence in dogs was 52.35% (401/766), as follows: 71.74% (99/138) in rural and 48.08% (302/628) in urban area. In rural areas, there was no factor associated to risk of infection. In urban slum community, visualizing more than four rats at home was a factor statistically associated to seropositivity for human toxoplamosis. Infection of urban dogs was associated to age, contact with stray dogs or rodents, and free access to street. The results indicated a similar possibility of contact with Toxoplasma gondii between dogs and humans living in rural or slum urban areas of small municipalities.
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Koch MO, Weiss RR, Cruz AA, Soccol VT, Gonçalves KA, Bertol MAF, Beltrame OC, Dittrich RL. Detection and isolation ofToxoplasma gondiifrom fresh semen of naturally infected dogs in Southern Brazil. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:550-4. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MO Koch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - RR Weiss
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - AA Cruz
- Laboratório de Bioquímica; Faculdade de Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade de Camagüey; Camagüey Cuba
| | - VT Soccol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - KA Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - MAF Bertol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - OC Beltrame
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - RL Dittrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
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Seabra NMD, Pereira VF, Kuwassaki MV, Benassi JC, Oliveira TMFDS. Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leishmania spp. serology and Leishmania spp. PCR in dogs from Pirassununga, SP. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:454-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract We examined the presence of antibodies against the parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leishmania spp., as well the presence of DNA from Leishmania spp., in dogs from Pirassununga - SP. The seropositivity rate was compared with the animals’ originating location. Three hundred seventy-three blood samples from the county’s kennel and local veterinary clinics were collected and analyzed. A total of 300 samples were tested for T. gondii and N. caninum using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT); 45% (135/300) were positive for T. gondii and 24.3% (73/300) were positive for N. caninum. Three hundred seventy-three samples were tested for Leishmania spp. using the IFAT. Of these, 4.6% (17/373) were positive. Additionally, 145 samples were tested using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR); of these samples, 0.7% (1/145) was positive. Considering the results, we conclude that these parasites are present in the city of Pirassununga - SP and that the animals have contact with the protozoan. It is therefore necessary to create methods for disease prevention to maintain both animal and human health in regard to leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis.
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Langoni H, Fornazari F, da Silva RC, Monti ET, Villa FB. Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs. Braz J Microbiol 2014; 44:1327-30. [PMID: 24688530 PMCID: PMC3958206 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000400043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are parasitic diseases of global importance. The present study had the objective to determine the influence of age, sex and breed in the prevalence of antibodies against both diseases in dogs from Brotas city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Blood samples of 342 dogs were collected, and the age, sex and breed of each animal were recorded. The serological diagnosis for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis were performed using the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The Fischer's test was used to calculate the association probability of the variables, with α = 5%. For toxoplasmosis the prevalence of antibodies was 26.9% (CI 95% 22.4-31.8%), and for neosporosis 4.97% (CI 95% 3.1-7.8%). The statistical analysis revealed a higher risk of infection for T. gondii in dogs with more than five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helio Langoni
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Costa da Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Elis Talita Monti
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fausto Baptista Villa
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Dogs, cats, parasites, and humans in Brazil: opening the black box. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:22. [PMID: 24423244 PMCID: PMC3914713 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats in Brazil serve as primary hosts for a considerable number of parasites, which may affect their health and wellbeing. These may include endoparasites (e.g., protozoa, cestodes, trematodes, and nematodes) and ectoparasites (i.e., fleas, lice, mites, and ticks). While some dog and cat parasites are highly host-specific (e.g., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Felicola subrostratus for cats, and Angiostrongylus vasorum and Trichodectes canis for dogs), others may easily switch to other hosts, including humans. In fact, several dog and cat parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Toxocara canis) are important not only from a veterinary perspective but also from a medical standpoint. In addition, some of them (e.g., Lynxacarus radovskyi on cats and Rangelia vitalii in dogs) are little known to most veterinary practitioners working in Brazil. This article is a compendium on dog and cat parasites in Brazil and a call for a One Health approach towards a better management of some of these parasites, which may potentially affect humans. Practical aspects related to the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases of dogs and cats in Brazil are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife Pernambuco 50670420, Brazil.
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NOGUEIRA CI, MESQUITA LP, ABREU CC, NAKAGAKI KYR, SEIXAS JN, BEZERRA PS, ROCHA CMBM, GUIMARAES AM, PECONICK AP, VARASCHIN MS. Risk factors associated with seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dogs from urban and rural areas of milk and coffee production in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:2286-93. [PMID: 23419686 PMCID: PMC9151372 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to investigate the risk factors related to seroprevalence in dogs from urban and rural areas with distinct economic activities (milk and coffee production) in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For this purpose, blood samples from 703 dogs were collected and questionnaires addressing epidemiological aspects were completed by dog-owners. The sera were analysed for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT ≥ 1:50). Association between epidemiological aspects and seropositivity in dogs was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 80 (11·4%) dogs tested positive for N. caninum. In the multivariate logistic regression models, dogs aged >4 years, dogs used as guard dogs, dogs that spontaneously hunt, and history of bovine abortion were found to be greater risk factors for canine N. caninum infection. When we considered only dogs from rural areas, an association with seroprevalence was seen for milk farms, dogs not fed with commercial food, dogs that hunt, and dogs used as guard dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. I. NOGUEIRA
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L. P. MESQUITA
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - C. C. ABREU
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - K. Y. R. NAKAGAKI
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - J. N. SEIXAS
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - P. S. BEZERRA
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - C. M. B. M. ROCHA
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - A. M. GUIMARAES
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - A. P. PECONICK
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - M. S. VARASCHIN
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Plugge NF, Ferreira FM, Richartz RRTDB, Siqueira AD, Dittrich RL. Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2011; 20:202-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612011000300004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.
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Lopes MG, Mendonça IL, Fortes KP, Amaku M, Pena HDFJ, Gennari SM. Presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leishmania infantum in dogs from Piauí. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2011; 20:111-4. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612011000200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in dogs attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, where there are no reports of the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in dogs. Serum samples from 530 dogs of genders, different ages and breeds from the municipality of Teresina and nearby towns were analyzed using three indirect fluorescent antibody tests, each one targeting one of the three agents. The associations between the parasites and gender, breed and age of the dogs were assessed by the chi-square test (p > 0.05). The occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and L. infantum was 3.2, 18.0 and 78.1%, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was more frequently found in older dogs (p < 0.05) whereas L. infantum was more common in animals aged between 1 to 3 years (p < 0.05). In order to evaluate potential associations between the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies and Leishmania infection, 240 dogs were selected (120 positive and 120 negative for Leishmania spp.), based on serological and parasitological diagnoses. No association was found between Leishmania spp. and the coccidian parasites (p > 0.05). The results confirm the exposure of dogs to these parasites in the State of Piauí.
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Silva RCD, Souza LCD, Langoni H, Tanaka EM, Lima VYD, Silva AVD. Risk factors and presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2010000200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii and affects warm-blooded vertebrates, including pets and man. Dogs are epidemio-logically important since they act as sentinels for the infection in humans. The present study aimed to determine the presence of antibodies to T. gondii in 205 serum samples from dogs in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, through indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT), as well as the risk factors related to toxoplasmosis in the animals such as breed, age, sex, access to outdoors, homemade food ingestion, access to untreated water, and contact with rodents. Toxoplasmosis-positive samples accounted for 52/205 (25.4%), with titers ranging from 16 to 256. The serological results presented significant association (P<0.05) with homemade food ingestion (45/118; 38.1%; CI95% 29.9%-47.2%) (OR=7.0; CI95% 3.0-16.6), and with access to outdoors where those that do not have access to the street were prevalent (37/121; 30.6%; CI95% 23.1%-39.3%) (OR=0.5; CI95% 0.2-1.0). These results show that toxoplasmosis in this region is related to problems of sanitary education, mainly concerning the appropriate cooking of foods, since most positive animals did not show significant association with the presence of rodents or untreated water consumption but showed, instead association with ingestion of homemade food. Thus, toxoplasmosis is a public health problem in the studied region, and sanitary measures are needed to control the infection due to the strict relationship between man and dog and the presented risk factors
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