Anti-Leishmania spp., anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora spp. IgG antibodies in horses from Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Determined the seroprevalence and epidemiological profile of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp. and Leishmania spp. infection in horses in Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 376 equines (horses) in rural areas of six municipalities. The serum samples were subjected to the Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) to detect the presence of IgG antibodies anti-T. gondii, Neospora spp. and Leishmania spp. The cut-off points for T. gondii, Neospora spp. and Leishmania spp. were 1:64, 1:50 and 1:40, respectively. All horse owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire. Among the analyzed samples, 44.94% (169/376) were seroreactive for at least one of the three parasites. The prevalence values found were 17.3% (65/376) for T. gondii, 16.2% (61/376) for Neospora spp. and 11.4% (43/376) for Leishmania spp. No risk factors were associated with infection by T. gondii, Neospora spp. and Leishmania spp. The data obtained in this research could be considered in a future review of the Brazilian Equine Health Program to include technical standards for monitoring zoonosis in horses.