First Report of Toxoplasma Prevalence in Tibetan Pigs

TIBET, CHINA - Researchers say that Toxoplasma gondii is highly prevalent in Tibetan pigs, which poses a significant public health concern in this region of the world.
calendar icon 20 August 2012
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Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely prevalent in humans and animals, including pigs throughout the world, according to a new paper in the journal, Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases.

In this study by researchers from several Chinese institutions, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Tibetan pigs in China was investigated for the first time. A total of 427 serum samples were collected from Tibetan pigs in Nyingchi prefecture, Tibet, between April and December 2010, and were assayed for antibodies to T. gondii using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Ninety-seven (22.72 per cent) pigs were found to be positive with MAT titres of 1:25 or higher.

Slaughter pigs had higher seroprevalence than fattening pigs, growing pigs or piglets, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.05).

The results of the present survey indicate that T. gondii is highly prevalent in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, which poses a significant public health concern in this unique region of the world.

Reference

Wu S-M., D. Ciren, S-Y. Huang, M-J. Xu, G. Ga, C. Yan, M.S. Mahmoud, F-C. Zou and X-Q. Zhu. 2012. First Report of Toxoplasma gondii Prevalence in Tibetan Pigs in Tibet, China. Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 12(8):654-656. doi:10.1089/vbz.2012.0968.

Further Reading

You can view the full report (fee payable) by clicking here.


Further Reading

Find out more information on toxoplasmosis by clicking here.
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