SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION IN PIGS FROM SOUTHWESTERN MISSISSIPPI.

Toxoplasma gondii infection of swine is a potential public health concern because it can be acquired by humans through the handling and consumption of contaminated raw meat. Infections in immunocompromised individuals and fetuses are the most severe and these individuals are most likely to develop clinical toxoplasmosis. Since Mississippians consume a lot of pork, there was a significant need to know the extent to which it poses a health problem in the State.