PREVALÊNCIA DE ANTICORPOS ANTI-Toxoplasma gondii E FATORES DE RISCO ASSOCIADOS À INFECÇÃO EM CAPRINOS DA ILHA DE SÃO LUÍS-MA

Toxoplasmosis is a disease transmitted to animals by contaminated food. It affects several species, but mainly small ruminants, causing miscarriages and congenital disorders. This study assesses prevalence and risk factors of anti-T. gondii infection in goat herds on the island of Sao Luis, Maranhao. Serum samples from 197 goats were collected in three municipalities and analysed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for detection of T. gondii antibodies. An agglutination titre at a 1:64 dilution was considered as a cut-off level. Results revealed an estimated prevalence of 35,53% (95% CI = 28,90% - 42,60%). Furthermore, 13 (92,90%) out of 14 properties showed seropositive samples. Factors associated with goat infection were: age, breed, floor of pen, water source, nipple drinking system, exploration system, health management, and reproductive abnormalities.