Anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle intended for human consumption in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the seroprevalence and factors associated with Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 600 slaughtered cattle and destined intended for consumption, originating from 27 municipalities. The samples were analyzed using the Indirect Immunofluorescence Test, with cut-off points for anti-N. caninum antibodies at 1:200 and for anti-T. gondii antibodies at 1:64. Positive samples were titrated until negative. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied to gather information about the properties and herds. The seroprevalence for N. caninum was 13.2% (79/600), with antibody titers ranging from 1:200 to 1:6400, and for T. gondii it was 12.5% (75/600), with titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:1024. In the multivariate analysis, the factor associated with N. caninum infection was a history of abortion (OR 6.483; CI 6.082-6.884; p < 0.01), and for T. gondii, contact with cats (OR 7.683; CI 7.172-8194; p < 0.005). The seroprevalences for N. caninum and T. gondii in cattle slaughtered for human consumption in Espírito Santo are significant, with a history of abortion being a factor associated with N. caninum infection and contact with cats associated with T. gondii infection.