Quality assurance of serologic testing for Chagas disease in a primary care setting of rural Paraguay.

The diagnosis of Chagas disease mostly relies on the use of multiple serologic tests that are often unavailable in many of the remote settings where the disease is highly prevalent. In the Teniente Irala Fernández Municipality, in central Paraguay, efforts have been made to increase the diagnostic capabilities of specific rural health centres, but no quality assurance of the results produced has been performed. We comparatively analysed the results obtained with 300 samples tested using a commercial rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) at the laboratory of the Teniente Irala Fernández Health Center (CSTIF) with those generated upon repeating the tests at an independent well-equipped research laboratory (CEDIC). A subgroup of 52 samples were further tested at Paraguay's Central Public Health Laboratory (LCSP) by means of a different technique to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the tests carried out at CSTIF. We observed an excellent agreement between the ELISA results obtained at CSTIF and CEDIC (kappa coefficients between 0.85 and 0.93 for every kit evaluated), and an overall good performance of the tests carried out at CSTIF. However, the sensitivity of one kit was lower at CSTIF (81.3 %) than at CEDIC (100 %). The individual use of an RDT to detect the infection at CSTIF showed a similar sensitivity to that obtained combining it to an ELISA test (92.3% vs 88.5, p = 1). Nonetheless, the generalizability of this result is yet limited and will require of further studies.

Hantavirus: Preliminary assessment of lateral flow immune assay prototypes to detect IgM and IgG antibodies.

Three lateral flow immunoassay prototypes developed to detect IgM, IgG and IgM/IgG antibodies against Hantavirus were evaluated. A total of 163 samples were tested: 10 from Hantavirus patients, 103 from related diseases, and 50 from healthy controls. The prototypes exhibited 100 % sensitivity, 97.5 % to 99.3 % specificity, indicating promising improved diagnosis.

Effects of mobility, immunity and vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the Dominican Republic: a modelling study.

Background: COVID-19 dynamics are driven by a complex interplay of factors including population behaviour, new variants, vaccination and immunity from prior infections. We quantify drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the Dominican Republic, an upper-middle income country of 10.8 million people. We then assess the impact of the vaccination campaign implemented in February 2021, primarily using CoronaVac, in saving lives and averting hospitalisations. Methods: We fit an age-structured, multi-variant transmission dynamic model to reported deaths, hospital bed occupancy, and seroprevalence data until December 2021, and simulate epidemic trajectories under different counterfactual scenarios. Findings: We estimate that vaccination averted 7210 hospital admissions (95% credible interval, CrI: 6830-7600), 2180 intensive care unit admissions (95% CrI: 2080-2280) and 766 deaths (95% CrI: 694-859) in the first 6 months of the campaign. If no vaccination had occurred, we estimate that an additional decrease of 10-20% in population mobility would have been required to maintain equivalent death and hospitalisation outcomes. We also found that early vaccination with CoronaVac was preferable to delayed vaccination using a product with higher efficacy. Interpretation: SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in the Dominican Republic were driven by a substantial accumulation of immunity during the first two years of the pandemic but, despite this, vaccination was essential in enabling a return to pre-pandemic mobility levels without considerable additional morbidity and mortality. Funding: Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, US CDC and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Inmunogenicidad y eventos adversos de vacuna SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de salud / Immunogenicity and adverse events of SARS-CoV-2 vac cine in health workers

Resumen Introducción : El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos adversos y la respuesta inmune de anticuer pos IgG anti S1 SAEA-CoV-2 en el personal de Salud del Hospital del Milagro de la ciudad de Salta, posterior a recibir dos dosis de vacuna COVID-19. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de co horte desde marzo de 2021 hasta abril 2022. Se reco pilaron datos demográficos, clínicos, eventos adversos supuestamente atribuidos a la vacunación (ESAVI) y se tomaron dos muestras de sangre para medir los niveles de anticuerpos. Resultados : Participaron 408 voluntarios, 401 (98%) fueron vacunados con Sputnik- V. La edad promedio fue de 45.5 años con predominio del sexo femenino (71%). Los ESAVI fueron reportados en 188 (46.1%) y 121 (29.7%) luego de la primera y segunda dosis respectivamente (p<0.001). Estos eventos fueron mayormente de carácter leve y transitorios, más frecuentes luego de la primera dosis. El primer dosaje de anticuerpos fue positivo en 99% con una media de títulos de 9.7 (SD 3.7). El segundo dosaje fue positivo en 88% con una media de títulos de 6.4 (SD 4.4). Los participantes con antecedentes de infección y dosajes previos positivos mostraron títulos significativamente más altos de anticuerpos (p<0.001). Conclusión : Los ESAVI reportados fueron mayorita riamente leves y transitorios. La vacunación masiva y la administración de la dosis recomendada son esenciales para lograr una inmunidad colectiva efectiva. La mayoría de los trabajadores de la salud vacunados desarrollaron anticuerpos y aquellos que cursaron la enfermedad previa a la vacunación presentaron títulos significativos más elevados de anticuerpos.

Abstract Introduction : The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects and immune response associated with IgG anti S1 SAEA-CoV-2 antibodies among health care workers at Señor del Milagro Hospital in Salta city, after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Methods : A prospective cohort study was carried out from March 2021 to April 2022. Demographic, clinical data, adverse events supposedly attributed to vaccina tion (AEFIs) were collected and two samples were taken to measure serum antibody levels. Results : 408 volunteers participated, 401 (98%) were vaccinated with Sputnik-V. The average age was 45.5 years with a predominance of the female sex (71%). AEFIs were reported in 188 (46.1%) and 121 (29.7%) after the first and second doses respectively (p<0.001). These events were mostly mild and transient, more frequent after the first dose. The first antibody test was positive in 99% with a mean titer of 9.7 (SD 3.7). The second dosage was positive in 88% with a mean titer of 6.4 (SD 4.4). Participants with a history of infection and previous positive testing showed significantly higher antibody titers (p<0.001). Conclusion : The AEFIs reported were mostly mild and transient. Mass vaccination and administration of the recommended dose are essential to achieve effective herd immunity. The majority of vaccinated healthcare workers developed antibodies and those who had the disease prior to vaccination had significant antibody titers.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on seroprevalence of leptospirosis in non-human primates worldwide.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease whose transmission is linked to multiple factors involving the interface between animals, humans, and the environment. This disease is of great importance for public health, as it profoundly affects the health aspects of the population and animals. Considering the importance of non-human primates in this epidemiological chain, the objective of this research was to conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, providing information on leptospirosis in non-human primates (NHPs) and an update on the infection situation in Brazil and other countries. Thus, a search was performed in five databases, initially finding 3332 studies, of which 32 met the eligibility criteria and were used for the systematic review. According to them, the most prevalent serogroup in non-human primates was Icterohaemorrhagiae, which is adapted to rodents as primary hosts. A wide distribution of the infection was found in the regions of both wild and captive animals. Through meta-analysis, the seroprevalence rate of leptospirosis in non-human primates was 27.21% (CI 17.97-38.95%). Cochran's Q test (p < 0.01) identified heterogeneity between studies, classified as high by the Higgins and Thompson test (I2 = 92.4%). Therefore, seroepidemiological and Leptospira isolation studies in non-human primates are important to investigate and monitor the suspected impact of these species as maintainers or transmitters of the pathogen to humans and other wild and domestic animals, in addition to demonstrating the need for standardization related to control and prevention measures.

Serological evidence of exposition to Toxoplasma gondii in Saimiri spp. kept in a research institution as biomodels in Rio de Janeiro.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were investigated in 125 Saimiri spp. kept at a research institute. A total of 12% of primates tested positive, all of which were Saimiri sciureus. These results highlight the need to minimize the possibility of this protozoan's circulation, which can lead to fulminant infection in these animals.

Models for predicting the risk of illness in leprosy contacts in Brazil: Leprosy prediction models in Brazilian contacts.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and validate predictive models that assess the risk of leprosy development among contacts, contributing to an enhanced understanding of disease occurrence in this population. METHODS: A cohort of 600 contacts of people with leprosy treated at the National Reference Center for Leprosy and Health Dermatology at the Federal University of Uberlândia (CREDESH/HC-UFU) was followed up between 2002 and 2022. The database was divided into two parts: two-third to construct the disease risk score and one-third to validate this score. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to construct the disease score. RESULTS: Of the four models constructed, model 3, which included the variables anti-phenolic glycolipid I immunoglobulin M positive, absence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine scar and age ≥60 years, was considered the best for identifying a higher risk of illness, with a specificity of 89.2%, a positive predictive value of 60% and an accuracy of 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Risk prediction models can contribute to the management of leprosy contacts and the systematisation of contact surveillance protocols.

Performance assessment of a new serological diagnostic test for COVID-19 with candidate peptides from spike and nucleocapsid viral proteins.

Numerous commercial tests for the serological diagnosis of COVID-19 have been produced in recent years. However, it is important to note that these tests exhibit significant variability in their sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize bioinformatics tools to map SARS-CoV-2 peptides, with the goal of developing a new serological diagnostic test for COVID-19. Two peptides from the S protein and one from the N protein were selected and characterized in silico, chemically synthesized, and used as a serological diagnostic tool to detect IgM, IgG, and IgA anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through the ELISA technique, confirmed as positive and negative samples by RT-qPCR or serology by ELISA. The results showed a sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value of 100% (p < 00001, 95% CI) for the proposed test. Although preliminary, this study brings proof-of-concept results that are consistent with the high-performance rates of the ELISA test when compared to other well-established methods for diagnosing COVID-19.

An Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Captive Armadillos Associated with Gamma Variant in Argentina.

The current pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants represent an example of the one health concept in which humans and animals are components of the same epidemiologic chain. Animal reservoirs of these viruses are thus the focus of surveillance programs, to monitor their circulation and evolution in potentially new hosts and reservoirs. In this work, we report the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant infection in four specimens of Chaetophractus villosus (big hairy armadillo/armadillo peludo) in Argentina. In addition to the finding of a new wildlife species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the identification of the Gamma variant three months after its last detection in humans in Argentina is a noteworthy result, which can be due to alternative non-exclusive scenarios, such as unidentified viral reservoirs, unrecognized circulation in humans or species-specific variation in incubation periods.

[Immunogenicity and adverse events of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in health workers]. / Inmunogenicidad y efectos adversos de vacuna SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de salud.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects and immune response associated with IgG anti S1 SAEA-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers at Señor del Milagro Hospital in Salta city, after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out from March 2021 to April 2022. Demographic, clinical data, adverse events supposedly attributed to vaccination (AEFIs) were collected and two samples were taken to measure serum antibody levels. RESULTS: 408 volunteers participated, 401 (98%) were vaccinated with Sputnik-V. The average age was 45.5 years with a predominance of the female sex (71%). AEFIs were reported in 188 (46.1%) and 121 (29.7%) after the first and second doses respectively (p<0.001). These events were mostly mild and transient, more frequent after the first dose. The first antibody test was positive in 99% with a mean titer of 9.7 (SD 3.7). The second dosage was positive in 88% with a mean titer of 6.4 (SD 4.4). Participants with a history of infection and previous positive testing showed significantly higher antibody titers (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The AEFIs reported were mostly mild and transient. Mass vaccination and administration of the recommended dose are essential to achieve effective herd immunity. The majority of vaccinated healthcare workers developed antibodies and those who had the disease prior to vaccination had significant antibody titers.

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos adversos y la respuesta inmune de anticuerpos IgG anti S1 SAEA-CoV-2 en el personal de Salud del Hospital del Milagro de la ciudad de Salta, posterior a recibir dos dosis de vacuna COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de cohorte desde marzo de 2021 hasta abril 2022. Se recopilaron datos demográficos, clínicos, eventos adversos supuestamente atribuidos a la vacunación (ESAVI) y se tomaron dos muestras de sangre para medir los niveles de anticuerpos. Resultados: Participaron 408 voluntarios, 401 (98%) fueron vacunados con Sputnik- V. La edad promedio fue de 45.5 años con predominio del sexo femenino (71%). Los ESAVI fueron reportados en 188 (46.1%) y 121 (29.7%) luego de la primera y segunda dosis respectivamente (p<0.001). Estos eventos fueron mayormente de carácter leve y transitorios, más frecuentes luego de la primera dosis. El primer dosaje de anticuerpos fue positivo en 99% con una media de títulos de 9.7 (SD 3.7). El segundo dosaje fue positivo en 88% con una media de títulos de 6.4 (SD 4.4). Los participantes con antecedentes de infección y dosajes previos positivos mostraron títulos significativamente más altos de anticuerpos (p<0.001). Conclusión: Los ESAVI reportados fueron mayoritariamente leves y transitorios. La vacunación masiva y la administración de la dosis recomendada son esenciales para lograr una inmunidad colectiva efectiva. La mayoría de los trabajadores de la salud vacunados desarrollaron anticuerpos y aquellos que cursaron la enfermedad previa a la vacunación presentaron títulos significativos más elevados de anticuerpos.

An IgG1 single-dilution avidity ELISA predicts cross-protection against heterologous foot-and-mouth disease virus challenge after vaccination.

This study aims to analyze if the results from different serological assays, used alone or combined, could match the outcome of challenge infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) after vaccination in cattle. Day-of-challenge sera from animals that had been vaccinated 21 days before with monovalent formulations containing inactivated A Iran 96 or A Iran 99 virus strains were used. Challenge and serology were performed with A22 Iraq strain. IgG1 titers and total-IgG avidity indexes were significantly higher in protected animals (p < 0.01) while IgG2-titers were not related to protection (p > 0.05). An IgG1 avidity ELISA was developed to analyze in one step, IgG1 levels and avidity. This assay estimated protection with 96 % accuracy. A strong agreement with challenge results was achieved (K = 0.85), suggesting a role of high-affinity IgG1 in protection against FMDV. These results support the assessment of the single dilution IgG1-Avidity ELISA to predict cross-protection in FMDV-vaccinated cattle.

Histoplasmosis in domestic cats: new minimally invasive diagnostic techniques.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, such as the semi-quantitative indirect IgG antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using blood serum and the urinary lateral flow assay (LFA), for the detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in cats with histoplasmosis. METHODS: Eight client-owned domestic cats diagnosed with histoplasmosis were selected based on cytological, histopathological, mycological, molecular or antigenic techniques. The blood serum of these animals was tested in a semi-quantitative indirect IgG antibody EIA for the detection of H capsulatum. Urine samples were tested for H capsulatum antigen using LFA. RESULTS: Five cats were seropositive on IgG EIA (5/8, with diagnostic sensitivity equal to 62.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 24.5-91.5) and five cats were positive on H capsulatum antigen LFA (5/7, with diagnostic sensitivity equal to 71.4%; 95% CI 29.0-96.3). The combined diagnostic sensitivity when interpreted in parallel was 87.5% (7/8, 95% CI 47.3-99.7). The specificity for the anti-Histoplasma IgG EIA was 100% (95% CI 71.5-100) and for the H capsulatum antigen LFA it was also 100% (95% CI 71.5-100). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The semi-quantitative indirect IgG antibody EIA for the detection of H capsulatum in blood serum and the urinary LFA for the detection of the same agent emerge as new minimally invasive diagnostic techniques that can assist in the approach to disseminated and pulmonary feline histoplasmosis, especially when both techniques are considered together.

Serological Profile for Major Respiratory Viruses in Unvaccinated Cows from High-Yielding Dairy Herds.

This study aims to determine the serological profile of high-yielding dairy cows for four main viruses (bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)) related to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle herds worldwide. In this survey, 497 blood serum samples were collected from non-vaccinated dairy cows without clinical respiratory signs in 39 herds in the central-eastern mesoregion of Paraná State, South Brazil. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was determined by virus neutralization (VN) tests. VN antibodies against BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were detected in 355 (71.4%), 280 (56.3%), 481 (96.8%), and 315 (63.4%) serum samples, respectively. The frequencies of seropositive herds for BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were 79.5 (n = 31), 82.0 (n = 32), 100 (n = 39), and 84.6% (n = 33), respectively. The frequencies of seropositive cows varied according to the type of herd management and the number of cows in the herd. The detection of VN antibodies in unvaccinated dairy cattle herds demonstrated the endemic circulation of the four viruses in the herds evaluated. For BRD prevention, it is recommended to implement a vaccination program for cows that provides passive immunity in calves and active immunity in cows.

Development and evaluation of a Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) prototype for the detection of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) for antibody detection represent cost-effective and user-friendly tools for serology assessment. This study evaluated a new LFIA prototype developed with a recombinant chimeric antigen from the spike/S and nucleocapsid/N proteins to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. The evaluation of LFIA sensitivity and specificity used 811 serum samples from 349 hospitalized, SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR positive COVID-19 patients, collected at different time points and 193 serum samples from healthy controls. The agreement between ELISA results with the S/N chimeric antigen and LFIA results was calculated. The LFIA prototype for SARS-CoV-2 using the chimeric S/N protein demonstrated 85 % sensitivity on the first week post symptoms onset, reaching 94 % in samples collected at the fourth week of disease. The agreement between LFIA and ELISA with the same antigen was 92.7 %, 0.827 kappa Cohen value (95 % CI [0.765-0.889]). Further improvements are needed to standardize the prototype for whole blood use. The inclusion of the novel chimeric S + N antigen in the COVID-19 IgG antibody LFIA demonstrated optimal agreement with results from a comparable ELISA, highlighting the prototype's potential for accurate large-scale serologic assessments in the field in a rapid and user-friendly format.

Genomic surveillance and serological profile of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Macaé and nearby cities, southeastern Brazil.

Introduction: A characteristic of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the sequential emergence and global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants, noted for their enhanced transmission efficiency. These variants with mutations in the Spike glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein), which interacts with ACE2 receptors in human cells is critical for infection, affects the transmissibility of the virus, which is a matter of great concern for public health. Objective: This research analyses the effects these variants on a cohort of vaccinated and naturally infected individuals from the cities of Macaé-RJ, Rio das Ostras-RJ, and Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil, from March 2021 to March 2023. Methods: This investigation encompasses the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2, B.1.671.3), and Omicron (BQ.1, BQ.1.1 sublines, and BF.7) variants, focusing on their genomic surveillance and implications for the disease's epidemiology. The experimental analysis included a control group (vaccinated and uninfected subjects), and an infected group (post-vaccinated subjects). Samples from nasopharyngeal swabs underwent viral detection via RT-qPCR for diagnosis confirmation. RNase H-dependent RT-qPCR (rhAmp-PCR) and third-generation sequencing were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. Anti-S-glycoprotein immunoglobulins were also evaluated for vaccinated infected and noninfected volunteers. Symptoms from infected individuals were compiled in order to reveal patterns of clinical signs associated with viral infection. Results: The study included 289 participants, with infections identified by Gamma (n = 44), Delta (n = 189), and Omicron (n = 56) variants. The prevalent symptoms among the naturally infected participants were cough, fever, sore throat, headache, and runny nose. For Omicron, cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and concentration issues were reported. Interestingly, the infected vaccinated group had higher anti-S-glycoprotein IgM production (n = 28, 0.2833 ± 0.09768 OD) compared to the uninfected vaccinated group (n = 14, 0.1035 ± 0.03625 OD). Conversely, anti-S-glycoprotein IgG production was higher in the control group (n = 12, 1.770 ± 0.1393 OD) than in the infected vaccinated group (n = 26, 1.391 ± 0.1563 OD). Conclusion: This comprehensive study enables monitoring of predominant variants and their correlation with clinical cases, providing valuable insights for public health. Our research group continues to survey circulating variants, contributing to the global understanding of the pandemic.

Finding Priority Areas in the Evaluation of Strategies for the Prevention of Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Municipality of Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and dogs. The infection is endemic in the municipality of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Given the role of dogs in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis, strategies to enhance surveillance and reduce transmission are focused on dogs. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed records of canine visceral leishmaniasis from 2013 to 2022. According to this database, the prevalence of dogs testing positive for leishmaniasis fluctuated, with an average of 65.04% (6590/10,133). Cases were clustered in 10 statistically significant areas. Environmental analyses identified a significant geographical association between animals testing positive and higher vegetation density rates compared with animals testing negative. The period from sample collection to diagnosis and euthanasia, as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry, correlated with disease prevalence and decreased over time. These findings serve to implement different action plans against leishmaniasis for each geographic region and to understand the impact and efforts of strategies in an endemic area.

An atypical case of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis in a dog caused by a fungus from the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin American countries and one of the most important fungal diseases regarding incidence and mortality in humans. PCM has also been described in some animal species such as dogs. In this study we describe a new case of PCM disease in a dog that differed from previous records in the literature which includes a progressive evolution of fungal dermatitis causing a deforming lesion in the nose, like those found in human patients, and humoral response against gp70 instead of gp43, the major diagnostic antigen for human PCM. The clinical isolate through the ITS and partial gp43 gene phylogenetic analysis was grouped in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex. This case describes several features which may contribute to improving diagnosis and understanding of canine paracoccidioidomycosis.

Assessment of sow herd frequency of PCV-2 using placental umbilical cord serum and serology in 18 breeding farms in Brazil.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) is the agent of one of the most important diseases in the swine industry. Although it has been controlled through vaccination, viremic piglets at birth may represent a risk by reducing vaccination efficacy. Since there are few reports on the viremic status of pre-suckling piglets regarding PCV-2 infection, we assessed the PCV-2 frequency in sows housed in 18 breeding farms with no history of clinical PCVAD in Brazil, using placental umbilical cord serum (PUCS). The selection criteria were: breeding farms with more than 1,000 sows; sows not vaccinated for PCV-2 at least for 2 years prior to the study; farms with no history of PCV-2 clinical disease in the last 12 months; and production systems with a maximum of two sites. Blood from the umbilical cords in sow placenta or directly from piglet's immediately after birth was collected from 30 litters on each farm for PCR. In addition, blood from 538 sows was collected for PCV-2 antibody detection. A total of 17.29% of the PUCS tested positive. The PCV-2 DNA was detected in PUCS from 94.4% of all farms. A total of 94.8% of the sows was positive for PCV-2 antibodies. However, seronegative sows were detected in 44.4% of farms. All 18 farms had at least 46.9% seropositive dams. A higher percentage of seronegative sows was observed for farms with more than 10% of PCV-2-positive litters compared to those with ≤10% of PCV-2 positive litters (8.9 +/-1.7% vs. 1.5 +/- 0.7%, p < 0.01, respectively).

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in family farming goats from the Luracatao Valley, Salta, Argentina.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections are important causes of abortion in ruminants. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and frequency of T. gondii and N. caninum titers in goats raised by family farmers in the Luracatao Valley of Salta province, Argentina. A total of 259 serum samples were collected from adult goats in 42 family farms in nine communities and tested for indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, cut-off 1:100). Seroprevalences were 34.36% (89/259) for T. gondii and 64.09% (166/259) for N. caninum. Co-infection was found in 25.86% (67/259) of the goats tested. The most frequent IFAT titer of T. gondii found was 100 (23.93%; 62/259), and only 2% (5/259) of the goats presented titer 800. For N. caninum, the most frequent titers were 100 (25.86%; 67/259), and titers 200 (20.46%; 53/259) and 400 (14.61%, 38/259). The titers found for T. gondii could suggest a chronic infection in goats, being of importance for the region due to meat consumption and cheese production. The elevated seroprevalence of N. caninum identified in this study may be attributed to the community-specific dog population and the close interaction between dogs and goats, despite the absence of a statistically significant association. Subsequent research is warranted to assess the productive implications of T. gondii and N. caninum.