Toxoplasma gondii antibodies prevalence in Rhea americana from several farms of Rio Grande do Sul State

Abstract

In this work we analyzed 74 (seventy-four) samples of rhea serum from ten different breeders located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The serologic exam accomplished was indirect hemaglutination test, in agreement with the norms extolled by the manufacturer of the used Kit, for detection and quantification of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. The considered minimum titration was the larger dilution or same to the 1/8 (one-eight). The analysis of the results demonstrated that a small amount (8,10%) of these animals were infected with the parasite, however 40% of the properties where the samples were obtained presented reacting animals. Those results point out the importance of a study more deepened on the immunological susceptibility of these ratites to the agent of the toxoplasmosis.