Serological and Parasitological Study of Bovine Trypanosomiasis in the Microregion of Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil - Abstract
The microregion of Uberaba, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is an important center for breeding, genetic development, and cattle related business. Since 2011 outbreaks of bovine trypanosomiasis have been noticed in the region, leading to high mortality of bovines. Within this context, this study aimed to perform serological and parasitological screening of trypanosomiasis in the microregion of Uberaba. Blood and serum samples of 308 animals from the microregion of Uberaba were collected for serological and parasitological analysis. Data concerning the type of activity performed on each property and on the management of needles were also obtained in order to correlate with the presence of Trypanosoma vivax. The parasitological study was performed using Woo, Buffy Coat and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques; 100% of the samples were negative for Woo e Buffy Co at techniques, and 1.94% positive for PCR technique. The serological study, performed by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) Reaction, a prevalence of anti T. vivax antibodies was recorded in 17.2% of the samples. The highest prevalence was found in the city of Uberaba, with 24.4%, followed by Veríssimo, with 14.3%; the other cities had prevalence lower than 9%. The prevalence was higher in dairy farms (75%) and in farms where needles were not exchanged, especially after oxytocin application in cows previous to milking (80%). The prevalence of trypanosomiasis in Uberaba-MG is low, and prophylactic measures must be implemented in order to prevent the spread of the disease.