Spatial distribution and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in cattle slaughtered for human consumption in Rondônia, North region, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in cattle slaughtered for human consumption from rural properties in the state of Rondônia, North region, Brazil; the seroprevalence was determined using indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFATs). Additionally, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis were also analyzed. Of the 1000 cattle serum samples examined, 53 (5.3%) were determined to be seropositive for T. gondii with antibody titers (IgG) ≥64. In regard to results of the studied risk factors (presence of cats, cats with free access to cattle, breeding system, animal's gender, consumption of raw milk by humans on the property and cattle abortion in the last 12 months) and the odds ratio (OR) of each of these factors influencing cattle to acquire toxoplasmosis, only animals raised on a feeder/stocker/backgrounder system presented a higher probability of being seropositive for T. gondii (OR≥1, P=0.04) than cattle raised only in a feeder/stocker system. There was no association between the occurrence of reproductive problems and T. gondii seropositivity. Based on results obtained in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, it could be concluded that the presence of cats and their contact with cattle on each property, cattle breeding purpose and cattle abortion in the last 12 months were not considered risk factors for T. gondii infection in cattle. Considering that the presence of T. gondii was detected in animals slaughtered in the state of Rondônia, consuming raw or undercooked meat from seropositive cattle should be considered a route of transmission of T. gondii to humans. However, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis diagnosed in cattle from this state (5.30%) is lower than the prevalence of toxoplasmosis observed in South, Southeast and Center-West regions of Brazil, which may vary between 48.5% and 71.0%. The low prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle is highlighted in Rondônia, which is the sixth largest state for cattle slaughtering in Brazil and is responsible for producing 20% of all cattle meat exported by Brazil.

Seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle in a quilombola community in the Brazilian cerrado

“…The most frequent antibody titer for T. gondii in these cattle was 64, and this titer was observed in 57.66% of the seropositive animals, followed by 128 in 31.38%. These results are similar to those presented by Souza et al (2016). In cattle that are more resistant to the action of T. gondii and in which chronic infections are known to predominate, antibody titers less than 1,024 occur frequently (Dubey, 2010;Dubey & Thulliez, 1993).…”

“…The presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in 8.93% (95% CI: 7.55%-10.47%) of the cattle demonstrates that the prevalence of infection in the Brazilian central Cerrado region is close to that observed in both the far western part of Brazil (11.8%) (Souza et al, 2016) and in the island portion, in the far east, in the Atlantic islands of Fernando de Noronha (10.7%) (Magalhães et al, 2016). This corroborates the copious capacity for dissemination and adaptability of the parasite (Tenter et al, 2000).…”

“…Anti-bovine IgG antibodies produced in rabbit (Sigma, St. Louis, USA) were used as a conjugate. A cut-off point at a dilution of 1:64 was established (Magalhães et al, 2016;Souza et al, 2016). IFAT slides were examined by means of fluorescence microscopy using an epifluorescence microscope (Olympus Bx 51, Olympus Inc., Tokyo, Japan) at 40x magnification.…”

Immunocompetent host develops mild intestinal inflammation in acute infection with Toxoplasma gondii

“…It is estimated that about half a billion people worldwide exhibit antibodies against this parasite [ 4 ]. Studies in Brazil, which verified seropositivity and risk factors for infection in cattle, determined that in the northern region of Brazil, only 5.3% were found [ 5 ]. However, this percentage might reach up to 71% in other regions where there is a higher production of cattle [ 6 ].…”

The global seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in bovines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The trend of global climate change, the reduction of rainfall, declining groundwater levels and numerous droughts in different parts of the world had an effective role in this declining trend since the beginning of the 20th century. Environmental and geographical factors, such as temperature, rainfall and geographical coordination can change the prevalence of infection in different populations (de Souza et al, 2016;De Oliveira et al, 2018).…”