Aspectos epidemiológicos das infecções por Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Chlamydophila abortus em caprinos no estado de Alagoas

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to determine the prevalence and to identify the risks concernig to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Chlamidophyla abortus goats infections in the State of Alagoas. The research took place on 24 farms of goat breeding from 10 municipalities around the three different Alagoas Mesoregions. A total of 454 goat sera sample were examined for anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies studies through out indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFIAT). To detect anti-Chlamidophyla abortus antibodies 255 goat serum were tested by micro method of complement fixation. The farms were analyzed by questionnaires considering their production system, nutritional, reproductive and sanitary management in order to evaluate the risks of toxoplasmosis in goats. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was 39% with 95,8% of farms presenting seropositive animals. Significant association was observed to mesoregion (OR = 0,23; I.C. 95% = 0,09 – 0,57), age (OR = 0,36; I.C. 95% = 0,20 – 0,64), semi-intensive herd management (OR = 8,70; I.C. 95% = 1,87 – 40,43), cats accessing to water offered to animals (OR = 3,38; I.C. 95% = 1,89 – 6,02) and cats eating placental remnants (OR = 2,73; I.C. 95% = 1,38 – 5,40). The prevalence of anti- Neospora caninum antibodies was 5,3% with 62,5% of farms presenting seropositive animals with no significant association observed to variables searched as risk factors in this study. Concerning to anti-Chlamidophyla abortus antibodies were observed general prevalence of 1,17%. We conclude that goat herd in the State of Alagoas is exposed to infections by T. gondii, N. caninum and C. abortus with events in different State Mesoregions. It is necessary to intensify and go deep on the epidemiological studies in addition to implementing orientation programs for farmers on sanitary care and goats management in order to reduce the prevalence of infection by those pathogens.