Source: Daniel Azevedo, Pig Progress, 31 January 2022, photo credit: Duke Global Health Institute
Brazilian researchers have made significant progress in developing a vaccine against swine toxoplasmosis. The team claims it is the first in the world.
The medicine uses recombinant proteins, which is a method said to be effective and low risk. According to professor João Luís Garcia of the Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil, the development is the result of a long research process and gradual advances in knowledge around the globe.
Currently, the scientists are testing the DNA vaccine against swine toxoplasmosis in mice and the next phase will be the final one: testing in pigs.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and affects several animal species, such as birds and mammals (cats, pigs, sheep, goats and horses), which can serve as vectors and transmit to humans.
“The most serious consequence, both for animals and for the sick human being, is abortion. In the case of humans, toxoplasmosis can leave a series of sequelae, such as deafness, hydrocephalus and mental deficiency,” he explains.
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