Toxoplasma gondii em galinhas caipiras comercializadas em feiras-livres da região metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which represents an important public health burden worldwide. It has been estimated that 30% of the human population is seropositive for T. gondii. Severe complications may occur in immunocompromised patients or after congenital infection. Free-range chickens are considered an important host in the epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis, since they are a source of infection for cats and humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequence and viability of T. gondii in free-range chickens destined for human consumption in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. Serum samples from 56 free-range chickens were submitted to Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) for detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Tissue samples from seropositive chickens were submitted to PCR and mouse bioassay. From the tissue and serum of the mice submitted were performed PCR and IFAT, respectively. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 46.43% (26/56) of chickens and in 25% (13/52) of inoculated mice submitted to bioassay. Suggestive clinical manifestation of toxoplasmosis was observed in five inoculated mice, with one death. The data obtained in the present study confirm that free-range chicken meat is a potential source of T. gondii infection for humans and it has an important role in the toxoplasmosis chain transmission, revealing the need for implementation of prevention and control of toxoplasmosis.