We investigated the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs raised in the Northeast of Pará, Brazil. At Study I, convenience sampled 151 pigs at two slaughterhouses, with and without state inspection; and Study II, which assessed 159 pigs with probabilistic sampling from nine pig farms. Serological analysis was performed using indirect fluorescent antibody test for T. gondii and N. caninum with a cutoff of 64 and 50, respectively. Overall, 6.77% pigs were seropositive for T. gondii and 5.16% for N. caninum. In Study I, pigs slaughtered with and without state inspection presented similar occurrence for both coccidia (p>0.05). Study II found an association between N. caninum seropositivity and sludge discarded into the soil, feeding pigs with animal-based protein, subsistence system, and absence of nipple drinkers. No association was found for T. gondii. Pigs from Pará are a potential source of T. gondii infection to humans. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report anti-N. caninum antibodies in the serum of pigs in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon.
Dogs are considered the main reservoir for visceral leishmaniasis infection in humans, a serious disease that is a relevant public health problem due to its wide geographical distribution. To date, there haven’t been notification of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) in official health agencies of Sinop city, state of Mato Grosso. CVL diagnosis is difficult due to the variety of symptoms of the disease. In addition, animals may remain asymptomatic for life. In this study, the frequency of anti Leishmania chagasi antibodies was observed in 201 dogs referred to the clinical routine of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Campus of Sinop, during a 67 days period, through immunochromatographic method (DPP). Obtained results showed that seven animals were positive while one hundred ninety four were negative to the test. This result is relevant as far as it may increase the risk of CVL dispersion to non-endemic areas, highlighting the need of implementation effective measures to quickly detect Leishmania chagasi and prevent epidemiological situations.
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