Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the rodent capybara (Hidrochoeris hidrochoeris) from Brazil

Capybaras (Hidrochoeris hidrochoeris) are I of the largest rodents used for meat in South and Central America. Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 149 feral H. hidrochoeris from the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was evaluated using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the modified agglutination test (MAT). Using IFAT, antibodies (>1:16) were found in 104 (69.8%) and with the MAT, antibodies (>1:25) were found in 63 (42.3%) capybaras. This is the first report of prevalence of T gondii antibodies in this host.