title: Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among Brazilian white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris).
abstract: Considering that Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of global importance which affects several animal species including humans, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii among 72 white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Botucatu Municipality (22°53'S 48°26'W), São Paulo State, Brazil. The investigation was carried out from January 2008 to December 2009, when the animals had their blood samples collected and subjected to the modified agglutination test (MAT); 12 specimens had brain samples bioassayed in mice. Seroprevalence was 5.5% (n=4) and bioassays were negative. Older animals had higher prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii. Opossums in closer contact with the urban environment are likely more exposed to T. gondii than animals from the sylvatic environment.
authors: Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu Campus, São Paulo State, Brazil.
authors: Felipe
authors: F
authors: Fornazari
authors: Carlos Roberto
authors: CR
authors: Teixeira
authors: Rodrigo Costa
authors: RC
authors: da Silva
authors: Maristela
authors: M
authors: Leiva
authors: Silvio César
authors: SC
authors: de Almeida
authors: Helio
authors: H
authors: Langoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D048293:Didelphis; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan