A study was conducted in order to provide information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Grosseto district and on risk factors related to infection. 630 serum samples were collected from sheep of 33 dairy herds in the southern area of Tuscany and tested for Toxoplasma gondii using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. In addition questionnaires on farm management were proposed to the veterinarians in charge of the herds. 214 (33,97%) animals were positive to the IFAT, using a cut-off value of 1:64 for a positive serological test. The univariate statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between T. gondii seropositivity in sheep and rearing system, herd size, water source and access of cats to water given to animals.
SIEROPREVALENZA E FATTORI DI RISCHIO LEGATI ALLA TOXOPLASMOSI OVINA NELLA PROVINCIA DI GROSSETO. SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR Toxoplasma gondii IN SHEEP IN GROSSETO DISTRICT, TUSCANY, ITALY.
SECHI, PAOLA;VERONESI, FABRIZIA;MORETTA, IOLANDA;PIERGILI FIORETTI, Daniela;CENCI GOGA, Beniamino Terzo
2012
Abstract
A study was conducted in order to provide information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Grosseto district and on risk factors related to infection. 630 serum samples were collected from sheep of 33 dairy herds in the southern area of Tuscany and tested for Toxoplasma gondii using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. In addition questionnaires on farm management were proposed to the veterinarians in charge of the herds. 214 (33,97%) animals were positive to the IFAT, using a cut-off value of 1:64 for a positive serological test. The univariate statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between T. gondii seropositivity in sheep and rearing system, herd size, water source and access of cats to water given to animals.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
