Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum under aspects of meat hygiene.

摘要

Information on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in consumable meat and thus slaughtered animals is necessary in order to assess the risk of human infection. Although T. gondii is zoonotic, there is no evidence for any zoonotic potential of N. caninum. The prevalence of both parasites was investigated by PCR in muscle and brain tissue of slaughtered cattle, sheep, pigs and horses in Switzerland. At the same time, serum samples were tested by ELISA. Prevalences determined by the T. gondii PCR were: adult cows 3%, young bulls 2%, heifers 6%, calves 1%, sheep 6%, and horses and pigs 0% each. For N. caninum, the PCR prevalence was 2% for adult cows and 0% for all other animal groups. Seroprevalence was much higher for both parasite species and all animal groups, with the exception of fattening pigs. It was concluded that the consumption of meat from cattle and sheep, but not from pigs and horses, carries a potential risk of infection by T. gondii for humans.