Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária (Sep 2022)

Detection of Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in swine and detection of DNA of these protozoa in tissues and sausages

  • Bruna Dias Espindola,
  • Fagner D’ambroso Fernandes,
  • Isac Junior Roman,
  • Gisele Vaz Aguirre Samoel,
  • Roberto Antônio Delgado Barcelos,
  • Alisson Rodrigues Döhler,
  • Sônia de Ávila Botton,
  • Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel,
  • Luis Antonio Sangioni

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612022049
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 31, no. 3

Abstract

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Abstract The seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was researched in swine raised in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Serum samples from 84 pigs from 31 farms were tested using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for both agents. Additionally, 53 samples of pork sausages and tissues destined for human consumption, including: salami, sausage, black pudding, heart, tongue, brain, and rib muscle, were submitted to PCR to detect DNA for each agent. The frequency of anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies was 36.9% (31/84), with titers ranging from 32 to 1024, and 25% (21/84) for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with titers ranging from 64 to 2048. Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii DNA were detected in 67.9% (36/53) and 13.2% (7/53) of samples, respectively. The presence of antibodies and the detection of DNA from Sarcocystis spp., and T. gondii suggests that the pigs were infected and may serve as an important reservoir for both parasites. The infection by these protozoa in the swine population is relevant to public health due to their zoonotic potential.

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