Diagnostico molecular de Toxoplasma gondii em galinhas caipiras (Gallus gallus) comercializadas em feiras da região metropolitana de Macapá - AP.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can affect humans and animals. Contamination mainly occurs through the ingestion of food contaminated by the parasite, such as raw or undercooked meat, or through contact with the feces of infected cats. Although it is a common disease worldwide, epidemiological studies show that its prevalence varies according to environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors. Among the species of animals that can be affected by toxoplasmosis are birds. In many regions of the world, chickens are raised in poor living conditions, with limited access to proper hygiene and nutrition, which can favor the spread of the parasite. In this sense, the present study aimed to identify the occurrence of T. gondii in free-range chickens in the metropolitan region of Macapá through molecular PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and to analyze the genetic sequencing of T. gondii DNA from positive birds. Thus, from a total of 36 animals, brain and heart tissues were collected, with one aliquot directed for conventional PCR and another for histopathological examination (CEUA 6216180923). Through molecular analysis using conventional PCR, tissues positive and negative for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA were observed. A total of 72.2% (n=26) of animals were positive, with 58.3% (n=21) positive in both brain and heart tissues and 13.9% (n=5) positive in brain tissue only. A total of 27.8% (n=10) of animals were negative in the collected tissues. Thus, the need for further studies is evident, as well as the urgent training of producers for better management of their flocks, and public policies should be considered in the State of Amapá to mitigate the effects of contamination of this animal protein sold in the metropolitan region’s markets, given the possibility of becoming a public health emergency.