Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

The research investigates the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among cart horses in the Curitiba, PR metropolitan region, Brazil, and suggests that the animals are exposed to T. gondii infections regardless of age or sex.

Research Objective

• The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cart horses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba in Brazil.

The Agent and the Importance of the Study

• Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent for toxoplasmosis, a globally spread disease. While horses usually play a secondary role in the life cycle of the parasite, their exposure could be increased due to activities such as moving around urban areas, feeding on grass, and collecting recyclable materials in certain urban regions of Brazil.
• Understanding the frequency of this infection among cart horses will contribute to broader knowledge about the spread of toxoplasmosis and may aid in the development of preventative measures.

Research Method

• A total of 100 horses were sampled for the study. The detection of IgG antibodies against T. gondii – a clear indicator of exposure to the parasite – was performed using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) with titers ≥ 64.

Research Findings

• Of the total horses sampled, 17.0% were found to be seropositive, indicating that they had been exposed to T. gondii.
• No statistical differences were identified in terms of the sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15) of the horses. This finding suggests that all cart horses, regardless of these factors, are at risk of exposure to T. gondii infections.