Abstract
BackgroundInfection with Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is of epidemiological importance because of the risk for transmission to humans. We sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in 339 water buffaloes in Veracruz State, Mexico using the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut off 1:25). Seroprevalence association with general characteristics of buffaloes and their environment was also investigated.ResultsAntibodies to T. gondii were found in 165 (48.7%) of the 339 buffaloes with MAT titers of 1:25 in 104, 1:50 in 52, and 1:100 in 9. Bivariate analysis showed that seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was similar in buffaloes regardless of their general characteristics i.e., age, sex, and breed. In contrast, the seroprevalence in buffaloes varied significantly with environmental characteristics including altitude, mean annual temperature, and mean annual rainfall of the municipalities studied. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity in buffaloes was associated with a mean annual rainfall between 1266–1650 mm (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.15-2.94; P = 0.01).ConclusionsResults indicate that environmental characteristics may influence the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in buffaloes. This is the first report on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in buffaloes in Mexico. Further research is needed to assess the risk for infection in humans associated with the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat from buffaloes infected with T. gondii.
Highlights
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is of epidemiological importance because of the risk for transmission to humans
The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and correlates of T. gondii infection in water buffaloes raised in several municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico
Sampling was based on accessibility to ranches raising buffaloes in the Mexican state of Veracruz that shares its eastern border with the Gulf of Mexico
Summary
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is of epidemiological importance because of the risk for transmission to humans. We sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in 339 water buffaloes in Veracruz State, Mexico using the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut off 1:25). Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed parasite infecting warm-blooded animals including the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) [1]. In Asia, water buffaloes are the major source of milk and milk products, and their meat is consumed by humans in several. We are not aware of any report of T. gondii infection in water buffaloes from Mexico. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and correlates of T. gondii infection in water buffaloes raised in several municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico
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