Serum occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cows slaughtered in an abattoir for human consume

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite recognized as one of the main zoonosis in human beings. The present study aimed to evaluate serology of T. gondii from dairy cows slaughtered in an abattoir for human consume. Serum samples from 120 dairy cows (60 pregnant and 60 non-pregnant) were collected, and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was performed to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies by considering positive animals with titers ≥50. Serologic results from cows showed 29.1% (35/120), which 29 (48.3%) e 6 (10,0%) were from pregnant and non-pregnant cows, respectively. This revealed a risk 8.4 times-higher of positively in pregnant than non-pregnant cows (OR=8.4, 2.91<OR<25.6, P<0.0001). There was a statistical difference in the anti-T. gondii antibody frequency between Jersey and Holstein breed cows, 38.3% (23/60) and 20% (12/60) of prevalence, respectively (OR=2.49, 1.02<OR<6.13, P=0.04). Titers for cows were 50 (n=23), 100 (n=10), 200 (n=1) and 400 (n=1). There was no difference among age of gestation and anti-T. gondii antibody occurrence (P=0.74) in pregnant cows. The potential role of beef in epidemiology of T. gondii for human beings is yet enigmatic, and more studies are necessary to elucidate the real risk of this food for consumers.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Macedo,Madlaine Frigo Silveira Barbosa de, Macedo,Cesar Augusto Barbosa de, Barros,Luiz Daniel de, Martins,Guilherme Felipelli, Sandeski,Ligia Mara, Zulpo,Dauton Luiz, Cunha,Ivo Alexandre Leme da, Taroda,Alessandra, Cardim,Sérgio Tosi, Garcia,João Luis
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria 2012
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-84782012000600019
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!