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Shariatzadeh SA, Sarvi S, Hosseini SA, Sharif M, Gholami S, Pagheh AS, Montazeri F, Nayeri T, Nakhaei M, Mikaeili Galeh T, Daryani A. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in bovines: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitology 2021; 148:1417-1433. [PMID: 34187606 PMCID: PMC11010063 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Bovines, especially cattle, are considered as one of the main sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans. A more comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of T. gondii is needed to provide a global perspective on the prevalence of T. gondii in bovines. Here, we present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the global T. gondii seroprevalence in bovines. Six databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar) were comprehensively searched for relevant studies published between 1 January 1967 and 30 May 2019. Among 7691 publications searched, 178 studies (from 50 countries) with 193 datasets were included in the meta-analysis. The global pooled and weighted seroprevalence of T. gondii among bovines was 17.91% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.32–20.6]. Weighted prevalence based on the host was as follows: cattle 16.94% (95% CI: 14.25–19.81), buffalo 22.26% (95% CI: 16.8–29), yak 23% (95% CI: 14–33) and bison 8.1% (95% CI: 3.9–13.7). Continued monitoring on the status of T. gondii seroprevalence in bovines is essential. Study on the prevalence of T. gondii in the products of bovines such as milk, meat, etc., which are considered as the source of transmission of infection to humans, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Montazeri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nakhaei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Bresciani KDS, Cardim ST, Storte VS, Headley SA. A Review of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Water Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:455. [PMID: 32851033 PMCID: PMC7431459 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are diseases with worldwide distribution that are associated with reproductive problems in livestock and responsible for economic losses. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge relative to these diseases in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In general, buffalo are considered resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis because there are studies only reporting serological evidence of natural infection in these animals. Studies have described age, poor hygienic status of the farm, and presence of cats as risk factors for the development of Toxoplasma gondii infection in buffalo. It must be highlighted that buffalo meat, which does not receive adequate freezing treatment, could be a potential source for toxoplasmic human infection as well as the importance of raw buffalo milk in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to human beings. Neospora caninum is considered one of the major causes of abortion and responsible for huge economic losses in cattle. Vertical transmission is the main route to infect calves, and is responsible for maintaining the parasite within a herd. In buffalo, vertical transmission is also described; moreover, although there are indications that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in dairy buffalo, the reproductive importance of neosporosis is apparently lower in buffalo relative to cattle. Most studies have identified a higher time of exposition to N. caninum oocysts relative to age. The household system was also described as a risk factor for infection, possibly due to persistent contact between the home-raised buffalo and canids. The fetal immune competence of buffalo is similar to bovine, and buffalo fetus are highly susceptible to infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, indicating that N. caninum may be an abortigenic agent in buffaloes. Alternatively, it is interesting to note there is evidence that the inflammatory response in pregnant buffalo infected with N. caninum is mild enough to avoid abortion in most cases. It is proposed that the possible transmission of toxoplasmosis through unprocessed milk and buffalo meat may occur, which is important in terms of public health. Additionally, there is strong evidence to suggest that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio Tosi Cardim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte Do Paraná, Arapongas, Brazil
| | - Victor Sesnik Storte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte Do Paraná, Arapongas, Brazil
| | - Selwyn Arlington Headley
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Oliveira PRFD, Soares LBF, Borges JDM, Mota RA, Pinheiro Junior JW. Prevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Pernambuco, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 27:439-445. [PMID: 30427520 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes reproductive problems, making it a limitation for optimal efficiency in livestock. The aim of the present study was to conduct a seroepidemiological survey for bubaline neosporosis and to analyse associated factors associated with N. caninum infection in female water buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The prevalence of N. caninum infection in the bubaline herds examined was 35.4% (122/345; 95% CI: 30.4%-40.7%), at least 1 Neospora-positive animal was found in each farm. Associated factors for N. caninum infection identified in this study were exclusive pasture feeding (OR: 5.91, p <0.001) and purchase of animals of free fair and from reputable sellers (OR: 1.85; p =0.045). In this survey, we document the occurrence of neosporosis in female water buffaloes. Associated factors should be controlled in order to reduce the risk of N. caninum infection in these herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bacterioses dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Larice Bruna Ferreira Soares
- Laboratório de Bacterioses dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Jonas de Melo Borges
- Laboratório de Bacterioses dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Laboratório de Bacterioses dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - José Wilton Pinheiro Junior
- Laboratório de Bacterioses dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
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da Silva JB, Nicolino RR, Fagundes GM, Dos Anjos Bomjardim H, Dos Santos Belo Reis A, da Silva Lima DH, Oliveira CMC, Barbosa JD, da Fonseca AH. Serological survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle (Bos indicus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in ten provinces of Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 52:30-35. [PMID: 28673459 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii among 500 cattle (Bos indicus) and 500 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) technique. Blood samples from were collected from water buffalo and cattle in 10 municipalities in the northern region of Brazil. The frequency of cattle and water buffaloes seropositive for Neospora caninum in Pará state, Brazil, was 55% and 44%, respectively, and the frequency of cattle and water buffaloes seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii was 52% and 39%, respectively. Seropositivity for both N. caninum and T. gondii was detected in 10.6% of the cattle samples and 14.8% of the buffalo samples. The frequency of cattle positive for N. caninum and T. gondii was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of buffalo in two and three provinces, respectively. Buffaloes had a lower seroprevalence for N. caninum or T. gondii in all of the provinces studied. These results suggest that both species, when exposed to the same risks for N. caninum and T. gondii infection, have a high serological prevalence. Cattle showed a higher probability of being seropositive when exposed to the same risks for N. caninum and T. gondii. Our study, which included an extensive number of blood samples, provides important epidemiological information pertinent to buffalo production in tropical countries that can be used as a basis for disease-management practices in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenevaldo Barbosa da Silva
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - ICA/UFVJM, Av. João Narciso, 1380-Cachoeira, 38610-000 Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Romero Nicolino
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - ICA/UFVJM, Av. João Narciso, 1380-Cachoeira, 38610-000 Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gisele Maria Fagundes
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, 13635-900 Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique Dos Anjos Bomjardim
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Rodovia BR 316 Km 61, Bairro Saudade, 68740-970, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil(1)
| | | | | | - Carlos Magno Chaves Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Rodovia BR 316 Km 61, Bairro Saudade, 68740-970, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil(1)
| | - José Diomedes Barbosa
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Rodovia BR 316 Km 61, Bairro Saudade, 68740-970, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil(1)
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Br 465, Km 07, 23890-000 Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Portella LP, Cadore GC, Lima MD, Sangioni LA, Fischer G, Vogel FS. Antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii detected in buffaloes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2016001000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: The presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), southern Brazil. Serum samples (n=220) were analyzed for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibody presence was considered when the titers were equal or higher than 100 for these protozoa. A total of 60.5% (133/220) buffalo serum samples were positive for at least one of the protozoa evaluated in this study. Antibodies for N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii were found in 36.4% (80/220), 25.5% (56/220) and 16.8% (37/220) of the buffaloes respectively, indicating a higher frequency of N. caninum infection (p=0.0133). The IFAT is a suitable method to diagnose N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii infection in buffaloes for detecting IgG antibodies. This study demonstrates the presence of these three protozoa in buffalo herds in RS, Brazil, which may be source of infection to other animals. The high frequency of animals positive for N. caninum is important and could be related to reproductive problems. Additionally, the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii in buffaloes can be a possible public health issue.
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Brasil AWDL, Parentoni RN, Feitosa TF, Bezerra CDS, Vilela VLR, Pena HFDJ, Azevedo SSD. Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum seropositivity in buffaloes in Paraiba State, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:459-63. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The aims of this survey were to determine the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity among buffaloes in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. This survey included 136 buffaloes belonging to 14 herds. To detect anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies, the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used. Among the 136 samples analyzed, 17 (12.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies with titers ranging from 64 to 1,024, and 26 (19.1%) for anti-N. caninum with titers from 200 to 1,600. Animals seropositive for both T. gondii and N. caninum were found in 10 of the 14 herds (71.4%). Semi-intensive management systems (odds ratio = 2.99) and presence of pigs (odds ratio = 4.33) were identified as risk factors for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. It can be suggested that T. gondii and N. caninum are widespread in buffaloes in Paraíba, and that additional surveys are needed in order to ascertain the importance of these agents for this species and for pigs, and the influence of the farming type on occurrences of seropositive animals.
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Chryssafidis AL, Cantón G, Chianini F, Innes EA, Madureira EH, Soares RM, Gennari SM. Abortion and foetal lesions induced by Neospora caninum in experimentally infected water buffalos (Bubalus bubalis). Parasitol Res 2014; 114:193-9. [PMID: 25324135 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an important species in several countries for its milk and meat production, as well as for transport and other agricultural activities. It is, in general, considered more resistant than cattle to different parasitic diseases, also less demanding for forage quality. It has been postulated that buffalo may be resistant to abortion caused by neosporosis, because of high serological prevalences found in buffalo herds from different localities, with no description of Neospora caninum-related abortion. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential impact of neosporosis in pregnant water buffalo cows. In this work, three pregnant buffalo cows were experimentally infected with Nc-1 strain of N. caninum, and abortion was detected 35 days post-infection. Molecular and histopathological results found in post-mortem tissues are described and discussed, confirming the susceptibility of water buffalos to abortion caused by N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas L Chryssafidis
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil,
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Prevalence survey of selected bovine pathogens in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil. J Parasitol Res 2014; 2014:603484. [PMID: 24563780 PMCID: PMC3915857 DOI: 10.1155/2014/603484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the largest buffalo herd in the occident is in the north region of Brazil, few studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of selected parasitic diseases in buffalo herd. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the epidemiological of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil. A total of 4796 buffalo blood samples were randomly collected from five provinces and simultaneously analyzed by the IFAT and ELISA. The serological prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 41.3% and 55.5% in ELISA and 35.7% and 48.8% in IFAT, respectively. The overall prevalence of A. marginale, B. bovis, and B. bigemina was 63%, 25%, and 21% by ELISA and 50.0%, 22.5%, and 18.8% by IFAT, respectively. This study shows valuable information regarding the serological survey of selected bovine pathogens in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil which will likely be very beneficial for the management and control programs of this disease.
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Pinto AP, Bacha FB, Santos BS, Driemeier D, Antoniassi NA, Ribas NLDS, Lemos RA. Sheep abortion associated with Neospora caninum in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2012000800010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Canids are the main hosts of Neospora caninum, but cattle, (sheep, goats and horses may serve as intermediary hosts. N. caninum infection of pregnant intermediary hosts may provoke abortion and neonatal infections. This study is the first to report lamb abortion associated with N. caninum in Mato Grosso do Sul. Epidemiological data were obtained from interviews with sheep producers. For microscopic examination, fragments of different organs removed from 4 sheep fetuses, aborted and necropsied, were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and subjected to the hematoxylin-eosin staining protocol and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to test for N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. The abortion outbreak studied was reported from a herd of 268 Santa Inês sheep (including 186 pregnant ewes), with 10 abortion cases in the last third of gestation. Four fetuses were examined, 3 from a same ewe. At necropsy, one fetus exhibited crackling in the lung and all its organs were reddish. Histological findings detected mononuclear cell infiltrates among myocardium fibers and around blood vessels, in addition to circular structures with basophilic points resembling protozoans. IHC tests revealed strongly positive staining for N. caninum and weakly positive for T. gondii, characterizing N. caninum infection.
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Toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in Brazil: high prevalence, high burden of disease, and epidemiology. Parasitology 2012; 139:1375-424. [PMID: 22776427 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Infections by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are widely prevalent in humans and animals in Brazil. The burden of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans is considered to be very high. The high prevalence and encouragement of the Brazilian Government provides a unique opportunity for international groups to study the epidemiology and control of toxoplasmosis in Brazil. Many early papers on toxoplasmosis in Brazil were published in Portuguese and often not available to scientists in English-speaking countries. In the present paper we review prevalence, clinical spectrum, molecular epidemiology, and control of T. gondii in humans and animals in Brazil. This knowledge should be useful to biologists, public health workers, veterinarians, and physicians. Brazil has a very high rate of T. gondii infection in humans. Up to 50% of elementary school children and 50-80% of women of child-bearing age have antibodies to T. gondii. The risks for uninfected women to acquire toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and fetal transmission are high because the environment is highly contaminated with oocysts. The burden of toxoplasmosis in congenitally infected children is also very high. From limited data on screening of infants for T. gondii IgM at birth, 5-23 children are born infected per 10 000 live births in Brazil. Based on an estimate of 1 infected child per 1000 births, 2649 children with congenital toxoplasmosis are likely to be born annually in Brazil. Most of these infected children are likely to develop symptoms or signs of clinical toxoplasmosis. Among the congenitally infected children whose clinical data are described in this review, several died soon after birth, 35% had neurological disease including hydrocephalus, microcephaly and mental retardation, 80% had ocular lesions, and in one report 40% of children had hearing loss. The severity of clinical toxoplasmosis in Brazilian children may be associated with the genetic characteristics of T. gondii isolates prevailing in animals and humans in Brazil.
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