Estudo epidemiológico da toxoplasmose e micoplasmose aviária em galiformes (Gallus gallus e Meleagridis gallopavo) da avicultura familiar no estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of antibodies anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii among chickens and turkeys on rural family properties in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, as well as to identify risk factors associated with these infections. In chickens, antibodies anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum were sought using the Immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) and antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii were sought using the Immunofluorescence assay (IFA). In turkeys, antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii were investigated using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). In turkeys, antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii were investigated based on 204 serum samples on 28 properties. In chickens, antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii were investigated based on 629 serum samples from 39 properties, of which 421 samples came from 29 properties that participated in the study of risk factors. Antibodies anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum were analyzed based on 300 serum samples from 23 properties, all of which participated in the study of risk factors. In the present study, an investigative questionnaire was applied on the properties and risk factors were checked based on univariate analysis (chi-squared test or Fischer’s exact test), followed by multivariate analysis (Logistic regression). The relative frequency of turkeys that were positive for antibodies anti-T. gondii was 11% (21/204). Thirteen (13) properties contained at least one reactive turkey (46.5%). The general prevalence of chickens that were positive for antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii in the region was 28% (176/629). The following variables exhibited significant associations with chicken infections in the multivariate analysis (logistic regression): the slaughter of animals on the properties (OR=1,66; p=0,027); the presence of sheep (OR=1,96; p= 0,004); the occurrence of sheep births (OR=1,72; p= 0,014) and reproductive disorders among sheep (OR=2,29; p=0,003). The prevalence of chickens infected by Mycoplasma gallisepticum was 53.33% (157/300), while 100% of the properties exhibited foci. The following risk factors were confirmed in the multivariate analysis: the presence of poultry such as Numida meleagris (OR=2,22; p=0,005); different species of parrots (OR=1,72; p=0,027) and the presence of passerines (OR=1,88; p=0,007). The results of the present study indicate that Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Toxoplasma gondii infection are quite widespread in the region studied. Chickens and turkeys infected with Toxoplasma gondii could serve as a source of human infection if their meat and viscera are poorly cooked and then consumed. The large number of Mycoplasma gallisepticum foci is significant, considering the dangers associated with backyard animal reproduction and the risks for the surrounding industrial poultry plants. The chickens and turkeys assessed in the present study were good indicators of the presence of these pathogens in the environment, highlighting the need for greater care on behalf of sanitary authorities in relation to control and educating the population.