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Home / Equine Research Bank / Parasitol Int / Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in equids from Southern ...
Parasitology international2012; 61(3); 421-424; doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.02.003

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in equids from Southern Spain.

Abstract: Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were determined in serum samples from 616 equids (454 horses, 80 mules and 82 donkeys) in a cross-sectional study of 420 herds in Andalusia (Southern Spain), the region with the highest number of equids in Spain. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 10.8% horses, 15.0% mules and 25.6% donkeys by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25. Herd seroprevalence for horses, mules and donkeys was 14.7% (48/327), 23.9% (11/46) and 34.0% (16/47), respectively, and 75 herds (17.8%) had at least one seropositive animal. Significant differences in T. gondii seroprevalence were observed among species, with donkeys having the highest seroprevalence and horses the lowest (P=0.04). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in herds with presence of domestic ruminants. This study is the first report of the presence of T. gondii antibodies in equine species in Spain and the first reporting T. gondii infection in donkeys in Europe. The presence of antibodies is indication of contact with the parasite and therefore, consumption of equine meat could be a potential source of human infection in Spain.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-02-17 PubMed ID: 22366344DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.02.003Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research study conducted in Southern Spain identifies the presence of antibodies to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in various equids such as horses, mules, and donkeys, with donkeys exhibiting the highest seroprevalence. The finding is an indication of possible human infection risk through equine meat consumption.

Overview of the Study

  • The study looked at the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic organism, in different equids (a family of animals that includes horses, mules, and donkeys) in Andalusia, a region in Southern Spain known to have the highest number of these animals.
  • The researchers used serum samples from 616 animals (454 horses, 80 mules, and 82 donkeys), taken from 420 herds, for their cross-sectional study.
  • The used a test called the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25 to identify the presence of T. gondii antibodies.

Seroprevalence Findings

  • The study found that 10.8% of horses, 15.0% of mules, and 25.6% of donkeys tested positive for the presence of these antibodies.
  • From a herd standpoint, 14.7% of horse herds, 23.9% of mule herds, and 34.0% of donkey herds contained at least one seropositive animal.
  • This finding suggests a significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence among different species, with donkeys exhibiting the highest seroprevalence rates.
  • Herd seroprevalence was notably higher in herds that also included domestic ruminants.

Implications of the Study

  • This research articulates the first reported presence of T. gondii antibodies in equids in Spain, and the first known instance of T. gondii infection in donkeys in Europe.
  • The presence of T. gondii antibodies suggests contact with the parasite. This has implications for public health, as consumption of equine meat could potentially lead to human infection.

Cite This Article

APA
García-Bocanegra I, Cabezón O, Arenas-Montes A, Carbonero A, Dubey JP, Perea A, Almería S. (2012). Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in equids from Southern Spain. Parasitol Int, 61(3), 421-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2012.02.003

Publication

Parasitology international
ISSN: 1873-0329
NlmUniqueID: 9708549
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 3
Pages: 421-424

Researcher Affiliations

García-Bocanegra, I
  • Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain. v62garbo@uco.es
Cabezón, O
    Arenas-Montes, A
      Carbonero, A
        Dubey, J P
          Perea, A
            Almería, S

              MeSH Terms

              • Agglutination Tests / veterinary
              • Animals
              • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
              • Antibodies, Protozoan / isolation & purification
              • Cross-Sectional Studies
              • Equidae / parasitology
              • Female
              • Horses / parasitology
              • Male
              • Seroepidemiologic Studies
              • Spain / epidemiology
              • Toxoplasma / growth & development
              • Toxoplasma / immunology
              • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity
              • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology
              • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology

              Citations

              This article has been cited 17 times.
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