Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Toxoplasma gondii on commercial swine farms in the state of Alagoas, Brazil

Valen a R. M. B., Mota R. A., Anderlini G. A., Faria E. B., Cavalcanti E. F. S. T. F., Albuquerque P. P. F., Neto O.L.S. & Guerra M. M. P. 2011. [ Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Toxoplasma gondii on commercial swine farms in the state of Alagoas, Brazil.] Prevalencia e fatores de risco associados a infeccao por Toxoplasma gondii em granjas suinicolas tecnificadas no Estado de Alagoas. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 31(2): 121-126. Curso de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario Cesmac, Rodovia Divaldo Suruagy s/n, Quadra 04, Lote 04, Marechal Deodoro, AL 57160-000, Brazil. E-mail: rmbvalenca@ig.com.br This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and to identify risk factors associated with infection by Toxoplasma gondii in pigs from commercial swine farms in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. To compose the sample size of prevalence 342 pigs were used, with 312 sows and 30 boars, from of seven swine farms and distributed in five districts of the state of Alagoas. The serological examination for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was achieved by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFAT), using anti-pig IgG-conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate. The analysis of risk factors were performed by the application of questionnaires consisting of objective questions relating to the designer, the general characteristics of the property, the production, reproductive and health management. The prevalence was of 26,9% (92/342) of seropositive pigs. The associated factor was the boars introduction on farms in the last five years (p = 0,014; OR= 1,83; CI= 1,13-2,96). It is concluded that infection with Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in commercial pig farms in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The results suggest the control of cat population, the performance of cleaning and sanitation practices and laboratory testing to detect of infection by T. gondii in animals to be placed on the farms as measures to reduce the infection rates on region studied.