Experimental reinfection in pregnant ewes with Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

Nineteen ewes of reproductive age, serologically positive for T. gondii (IFI-IgG), will be distributed in five experimental groups: five infected sheep in the 40th day of gestation (DG), five inoculated in 80 of DG, 120 DG in five and two receive saline solution, comprising the non-infected control. Two pregnant females, serologically negative (IFIs) to toxoplasmic infection formed the control group without infection. Before inoculation and daily until 15 days post-inoculation, every three days until the 45th day of gestation, and every seven days until the end of pregnancy, an obstetric clinical examination will be carried out on 19 sheep. Concomitantly, blood samples (serum) of all the sheep will be obtained to search for antibodies against T. gondii by the IFI. Parasitism by T. gondii is investigated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and PCR bioprova in tissue fragments from females. In aborted fetuses, stillbirths and/or dead pups after birth, will be investigated the presence of T. gondii, using the same techniques. The pups born alive will be killed 30 days after birth and their tissues will be analyzed for the presence of T. gondii. This research aims to evaluate the importance of reinfection in pregnant ewes, and highlight the consequences of this disease in the reproductive tract, a fact unprecedented in the literature consulted. (AU)