IGG ANTIBODIES TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN PIGS FROM SLAUGHTERHOUSES OF THE RECIFE METROPOLITAN AREA, PERNAMBUCO STATE, NORTHEAST BRAZIL

ABSTRACT IGG ANTIBODIES TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN PIGS FROM SLAUGHTERHOUSES OF THE RECIFE METROPOLITAN AREA, PERNAMBUCO STATE, NORTHEAST BRAZIL. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs slaughtered for human consumption in two slaughterhouses with sanitary inspection in the Recife metropolitan area, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Antibody testing was performed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test, adopting the cut-off 1:64. A total of 327 animals were analyzed from six cities: Abreu e Lima, Paulista, Igarassu, Carpina, Paudalho and Tracunhaém. A frequency of 9.78% positive sera was observed for dilutions equal to or greater than 1:64. These data suggest risks of infection with Toxoplasma gondii by ingestion of raw or undercooked pork, since it is likely that seropositive pigs could contain tissue cysts, emphasizing the importance of creating a suitable management, aimed at reducing the risk of infection in this species.