Risk factors of occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii among horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil.

This research article focuses on identifying the risk factors related to the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, a potentially harmful parasite, in horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The researchers found a significant association between the parasite’s presence and the consumption and storage of hay.

Methodology

• The research team focused on a total of 440 samples gathered from 36 properties across 23 districts in Alagoas, including the regions of Leste, Agreste, and Sertão.
• A questionnaire targeting the properties’ productive, reproductive, and sanitary management protocols was applied to identify potential risk factors for the presence of T. gondii.

Findings

• Infection with T. gondii was determined using the immunofluorescence assay (IFA), a diagnostic test that identifies the presence of antibodies that fight against the parasite. The cut-off point for the test was 64.
• 14.4% of the horses, within the confidence interval of 11.0%-17.8%, were identified as seropositive, implying they were infected with T. gondii.
• The research found a significant association between the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in horses and their consumption and storage of hay.
• The odds ratio (OR), which measures the odds of an event’s occurrence in relation to an exposure, was 2.08 for horses consuming and storing hay, with the confidence interval being 1.20-3.62. This suggests that the practice of consuming and storing hay could possibly double the risk of T. gondii infection.

Conclusions

• This is the first recorded instance of T. gondii infection among horses in Alagoas, Brazil, according to the authors.
• The research opens the way for further investigation of the environmental and management-related risk factors associated with the presence of T. gondii in horses, particularly the practice of consuming and storing hay.