The occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigs and wild boars slaughtered in the Czech Republic
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| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Toxoplasma gondii is the fourth most important agent according to the global ranking of foodborne parasites. The aim of this study was to survey the presence of T. gondii in pigs and wild boars bred in different production systems in the Czech Republic. ELISA, qPCR (529 rep and B1) and nested PCRs followed by RFLP (Apico, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, SAG2 and SAG3) were applied. Diaphragm samples from total of 499 animals were collected during years 2012-2015. Pigs came from one organic (n=48) and four conventional farms (n=61). Wild boars originated from three game preserves (n=356) and two free hunting areas (n=34) in the Czech Republic. The higher incidence of T. gondii was observed in pigs from organic farm (29.2%) when compared to conventional farms (14.8%). It is in accordance with published data suggesting that intensive production systems have eliminated Toxoplasma infection in pigs. However, organic farming where pigs are not separated from the outside environment may lead to reemergence of this pathogen. The presence of T. gondii was also confirmed in wild boars, but with no significant difference between game preserves (9.8%) and free hunting areas (8.8%). Further genotyping revealed present genotype II only. To conclude, T. gondii infection is widespread in pigs and wild boars bred and slaughtered in the Czech Republic. The results show that pork and venison poses a certain health risk and can be a potential source of T. gondii for humans. |
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