Seroprevalence and the Risk Factor of Toxoplasma gondii Infection to Slaughter Pigs in Chongqing, China.

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii can infect all mammals, including humans, and can cause serious public health problems and economic losses. Pork is considered an important source of infection for humans, and seroepidemiological surveys are used to assess the level of infection in pig herds. To understand the current seroprevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii in pigs in Chongqing, a total of 1221 serum samples collected from seven slaughterhouses in five districts from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed for antibodies against the protozoan by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositive rate for T. gondii antibodies in Chongqing was 11.1%. The rate varied among the different districts (9.8-15.2%), slaughterhouses (8.0-18.4%), seasons (8.1-14.6%), and years (6.3-14.7%). These results suggest that the season and year were potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in pigs of Chongqing. The study provides prevalence and risk factor data that may help manage livestock and human infections in downstream areas. The Clinical Trial Registration number was SV-20150605-01.