THE OCCURRENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN BACKYARD PIGS AND CATS FROM AN ENDEMIC TROPICAL AREA OF MEXICO

Abstract

In Mexico, backyard animal production system is an important source of food for domestic consumption as in many other developing countries and is characterized by a virtually nonexistent sanitary management. With the objective to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with antibodies against T. gondii in pigs and cats from an endemic area in the Mexican tropics, a cross-sectional study was performed in 30 backyard pigs and 50 cats. Pigs and cats were blood sampled and tested by an indirect IgG ELISA to detect antibodies against T. gondii. Seropositivity rate in cats were of 100 % (50/50) and were identified a 75 % (23/30) of positives pigs. Results indicate a very high level of circulation of the agent in the area and a high risk of pigs to become infected. It is concluded that cats and pigs maintained under backyard had high seroprevalence to T. gondii. It is necessary implement sanitary measures in the management of backyard to avoid transmission to people consuming pork meat from backyard systems.