Investigação da ocorrência da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos destinados ao abate, oriundos da região da Zona da Mata Mineira, MG - aspectos epidemiológicos

Abstract

The toxoplasmosis is a zoonose worldwide disseminated, caused by the obligatory intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The felines are the only definitive hosts, because in this host the parasites can reproduce sexually and eliminate oocistos through the host feaces. The man kind, like other mammals, and also the birds are intermediary hosts, transmitting the toxoplasmosis congenitally or mainly when its meat is ingested by other animals. Brazilian’s food habit and the great economical importance of the country in the international cattle field are important factors that justify the investigation about the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to realize a seroepidemiologic study of the bovine toxoplasmosis at the Zona da Mata, in Minas Gerais. Looking forward to elucidate the risk factors of infection and insemination from the parasite in between the cattle designated to slaughter. For that, 1200 samples of cattle blood were collected for the serological analysis, using the indirect reaction of imunofluorescence technique (IRIF); visits to the rural properties where those animals came were also realized and on those occasions the rural producers from these properties responded to a epidemiological questionnaire with questions about the properties managing and sanitary conditions, that could act as risk factors of infection by T. gondii. Among the 1195 animals tested for IgG anti-T. gondii, using the IRIF technique 32 presented themselves seropositives, which means 2,68% of prevalecence. Bovines from 53 properties located in the Zona da Mata Mineira were analized. From these 53 properties, 17 (30,07%) showed one or more serologically positives animals for T. gondii. With respect to risk factors, the ones that involve the actuation of a Veterinary Doctor in the raising, clinical signs of the disease and the presence of felines in the properties got a highlight on the results found as factors with considerable levels of statistic significance and positive relations to the seropositivity of the animals.