Swine toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis transmitted primarily by cats infected with the protozoan. It affects human and several other species including swine. The species merits special attention because it is considered by epidemiologists an important reservoir and source of infection to human populations due to the longevity of tissue cysts. The prevalence of swine toxoplasmosis can vary greatly according to the socio-cultural habits, geographical and climatic factors. In this chapter we discuss the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in swines, epidemiological data, even as immunologic reactions of organic animal front ace infections, the main forms of diagnosis used and the possible advances that can contribute to the prevention of these animals.