Ocorrência e fatores de risco associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em coelhos domésticos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

This research aimed to detect the occurrence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii in rabbits, identify risk factors associated with T. gondii infection and detect T. gondii DNA in rabbit organs. Blood samples from 150 rabbits and tissue fragments (brain, heart and diaphragm) from 54 rabbits were collected in the state of Pernambuco. Data obtained in questionnaires were submitted to analysis of risk factors. The serum samples were submited to serological test (MAT) and the tissue samples to molecular (PCR) and histopathology tests. Results indicated the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in 6.7% (10/150) of the rabbits and T. gondii DNA in 9.25% (5/54). On histopathology were detected lesions associated with T. gondii mainly characterized by granuloma, mononuclear cell infiltrates, areas of degeneration and necrosis in brain and heart. This is the first study of Toxoplasma gondii detection in naturally infected rabbits in northeastern. The identified risk factors were: feeding based on raw vegetables (Odds ratio: 39.00) and contact between cats and rabbits (Odds ratio: 52.00); being this detection relevant to the implementation of effective preventive measures against toxoplasmosis and its prevalence in these and in other species. The detection of T. gondii in rabbits demonstrates the importance of the infection risk and maintenance of this agent in these animals and in the environment, beeing a public health risk.