Serological survey of immunoglobulin G from Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy goats in East Java, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii infection is a significant issue of veterinary public health because it is potentially transmitted through goat milk. Therefore, the use of control measures and routine monitoring of toxoplasmosis in dairy goats is necessary. Serological analysis using antibodies can detect T. gondii infection. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological study of T. gondii in dairy goats using antibody detection and risk factor identification. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. We performed a serological analysis of T. gondii infection in dairy goats to evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Random sampling was performed, including 132 lactating dairy goats. Toxoplasma-modified agglutination test was used as a serological test for immunoglobulin G with a sensitivity of 98.55%, specificity of 86.21%, and accuracy of 94.9%. A structured questionnaire was used to collect risk factor data, which were analyzed using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The statistical package for the social sciences v. 21 was used for statistical analyses. Results: The seroprevalence of T. gondii in Malang and Lumajang Regency was 100% and 90.7%, respectively. A significant difference in prevalence of T. gondii was observed between the two districts. Livestock management practices that significantly influenced T. gondii seroprevalence included water sources (p < 0.05; relative risk [RR] = 1.151; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044-1.269). Farmers' characteristics that significantly influenced T. gondii seroprevalence included education (p < 0.05; RR = 1.125; 95% CI: 1.037-1.221), main occupation (p < 0.05; RR = 1.118; 95% CI: 1.035-1.207), and position in the organization of dairy goats farmers (p < 0.05; RR = 1.141; 95% CI: 1.022-1.274). Conclusion: In East Java, the prevalence of T. gondii in dairy goats is high. This study provides detailed information regarding risk factors associated with T. gondii seroprevalence in dairy goats in East Java, Indonesia.

DOES TRYPANOSOMA EVANSI HAVE THE MAXICIRCLE GENE, OR CAN TRYPANOSOMA EQUIPERDUM BE ISOLATED FROM BOVINES?

Identifying a trypanosome isolate is generally based on morphological observations and molecular identification of one of the genes, usually internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 of ribosomal DNA (ITS1 rDNA, ITS2 rDNA), a variant surface glycoprotein of Rode Trypanozoon antigen type 1.2 (VSG RoTat 1.2), or expression site-associated genes (ESAG). However, this identification is insufficient because these genes cannot distinguish organisms in the subgenus Trypanozoon to the species level. A molecular approach using at least 5 sets of primers is needed, namely, ITS1, ESAG6/7, MINI, RoTat 1.2, and ND5, for stratified selection to obtain more targeted and conclusive results. Using this method to analyze isolates from Indonesia provided unexpected results: 9 isolates previously identified as Trypanozoon were found to have the kDNA maxicircle gene. Nine isolates of Trypanosoma equiperdum were identified for the first time in Indonesia, isolated from bovine (cattle and buffaloes). The identification of T. equiperdum in the 9 isolates was confirmed by analysis of the nucleotide sequence identity of the nad5-kDNA maxicircle gene.

Seroprevalence of Seven Reproductive Diseases in Beef and Dairy Cows from Three Provinces in Indonesia.

Bovine reproductive diseases are endemic in Indonesia, but comprehensive information about their infectious causes is not available. Therefore, our aim for this study was to detect several infectious agents that cause reproductive diseases in Indonesian beef and dairy cows. A total of 152 cow serum samples collected by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Brawijaya University and Veterinary Disease Investigation Centre as a part of the mandatory and regularly surveillance system from three provinces during 2019-2020 were used. The samples were then sent to Indonesian Research Centre for Veterinary Science (IRCVS) for further detection of seven reproductive diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven reproductive diseases to be tested in parallel are neosporosis, chlamydiosis, brucellosis, Q fever, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and BHV-4 infection. The dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows were BVD (45.69%), chlamydiosis (31.58%), IBR (20.53%), neosporosis (11.84%), and BHV-4 infection (10.53%). The seroprevalence of IBR, BHV-4 infection, neosporosis, and brucellosis varied significantly (P < 0.05) between dairy and beef cattle. The most dominant reproductive diseases in aborted cows were chlamydiosis (45%), BVD (41%), and neosporosis (10%). The conclusion drawn from this study is that the dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows are BVD, chlamydiosis, IBR, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection. Chlamydiosis, BVD, and neosporosis are common among aborted cow. Chlamydiosis, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection should be included in the national priority list in Indonesia. Control and preventive measures should be focused on high-risk areas and animals like stray cat and dog.