Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in horses from the coastal and mountain mesoregions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Among domestic species, the horse is one of those most resistant to T. gondii infection; however, upon acute infection, horses may present hyperirritability, poor motor coordination, ocular disorders, and abortion. Herein, we investigated the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, in order to identify possible risk factors for infection in horses and to establish the correlation of T. gondii infection with reproductive and/ or neurological disorders. We collected 615 blood samples from animals in the mountain mesoregion (n=311) and the coastal mesoregion (n=304) of Santa Catarina state. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to identify possible risk factors. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA.1:64) using RH strain tachyzoites of the protozoan as antigen. Correlation (P<0.05) between seropositivity and race, sex, age, diet, contact with other animals, reproductive and/or neurological disorders, and origin were assessed. The overall incidence of seropositivity was 10.4% (64/615), and in the mountain and coastal regions, 10.3% and 10.5%, respectively. The reciprocal of the titles observed was: 1:64 (36), 1:256 (26) and 1:1024 (two). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between regions, and there was no correlation between seropositivity and the variables analyzed.