ABSTRACT:
Samples of 303 horses from 56 ranches of Rorainópolis municipality, state of Roraima, were evaluated by means of the Indirect Immunofluorescence Test (IFAT) to detect antibodies against Sarcocystis spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. A subset of positive sample (n=15) against Sarcocystis spp. was evaluated by Western Blotting (WB) with crude antigen of S. neurona. From the serological result, possible risk factors were evaluated against individual or farming variables. The prevalence of anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies was estimated to be 43.2% (37.6-49.0%), anti-Neospora sp. was 26.7% (21.9-32.2%), and anti-T. gondii was 18.5% (14.3-23.4%). Fourteen samples (14/15) evaluated by WB were positive for S. neurona antigens. From the ranches, 76.8% (43/56) presented at least one positive horse for Sarcocystis spp., 69.6% (39/56) for Neospora spp., and 55.4% (31/56) for T. gondii. Thirteen (14.3%) horses had antibodies against all agents, 50 (16.5%) had antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora spp., 10 (3.3%) for Neospora spp. and T. gondii, and eight (2.6%) for Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii. Associated variables (P≤0.05) for antibodies against Neospora spp. were not found in horses fed on rented pastures, not in horses without veterinary assistance and stables, and not in herds up to 5 horses; while they were associated for T. gondii by contact with cats, in the Lavradeiro breed with use of stables, in horses raise with cattle, and in herds up to 5 horses. There were no variables associated with the presence of antibodies against S. neurona. Antibodies against S. neurona, Neospora spp. and T. gondii were reported in horses from the state of Roraima, Northern Brazilian Amazon, highlighting to the elevate prevalence on ranches.
INDEX TERMS:
Risk factors; Sarcocystis neurona; Neospora spp.; Toxoplasma gondii; antibodies; horses; Roraima; Amazon; immunofluorescence; Western Blotting; serology; epidemiology; parasitoses
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