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. 2023 May 15;32(2):e017222.
doi: 10.1590/S1984-29612023025. eCollection 2023.

Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil

Amanda Rafaela Alves Maia  1 , Roberto Alves Bezerra  2 , Samara Santos Silva  2 , Felipe Boniedj Ventura Álvares  2 , Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista Santos  1 , Clebert José Alves  1 , Inácio José Clementino  3 , Thais Ferreira Feitosa  2 , Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela  2 , Sérgio Santos de Azevedo  1
Affiliations

Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil

Amanda Rafaela Alves Maia et al. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.

Objetivou-se determinar a soroprevalência do rebanhos e de animais e os fatores associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Rebanhos (n = 434) e vacas com idade ≥ 24 meses (n = 1.895) foram selecionados aleatoriamente, e as amostras de soro foram testadas com o teste de imunofluorescência (RIFI), usando-se como ponto de corte 64. Das 434 fazendas investigadas, 197 tiveram pelo menos uma vaca soropositiva (prevalência de 49%; IC 95% = 44,3%-53,8%), e a prevalência em nível de animais foi de 18% (IC 95% = 5,3%-21,1%). Os títulos de anticorpos variaram de 64 a 1024, sendo os títulos mais frequentes 64 (10,8%) e 128 (3,7%). Os fatores de risco identificados foram na propriedade localizada na região do Sertão ("odds ratio" [OR] = 3,07), na propriedade localizada na região do Agreste/Zona da Mata (OR = 2,00), na compra de animais (OR = 2,68), no tamanho do rebanho de 34-111 animais (OR = 2,91) e no tamanho do rebanho > 111 animais (OR = 6,97). Os resultados sugerem a ampla distribuição de infecções por T. gondii em bovinos em todo o estado da Paraíba, e os fatores de risco identificados não são passíveis de correção.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Division of Paraíba state into three sample strata (Sertão, Borborema, and Agreste/Zona da Mata) and distribution of positive and negative cattle herds for T. gondii infections.
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