Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus Infection in Domestic Small Ruminants in Cameroon

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis and chlamydiosis remain among the primary causes of abortion and fetal loss in small ruminants. Consequently, they are a source of considerable economic losses for farmers. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and highlight the risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus infection in small ruminants in Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 small ruminant farms during a period from April to October 2021. A total of 1061 small ruminants were sampled, and the sera obtained were analyzed using the indirect ruminant multi-species ELISA test for specific IgG antibody detection for T. gondii and C. abortus at the National Veterinary Laboratory. A questionnaire was constructed to collect information about flock management and risk factors possibly associated with T. gondii and C. abortus infection in goats and sheep. Overall, 329 small ruminants tested positive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies and 45 for C. abortus-specific IgG antibodies with a seroprevalence of 31.1% (95% CI: 28.2–33.8) for T. gondii and 4.2% (95% CI: 3.0–5.5) for C. abortus, respectively. However, a significant co-infection of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.37–3.3) was obtained between T. gondii and C. abortus (p = 0.02). Linear regression model analysis revealed that, the seroprevalence of T. gondii at the flock level was significantly correlated with the region (0.22 CI: 0.17; 0.26) the breeding objectives (0.36 CI: 0.17; 0.56) the level of hygiene (0.11 CI: 0.01; 0.21) and presence abortions (0.55 CI: 0.46; 0.64) on the farms and that of C. abortus was significantly correlated with the regions (0.01 CI: 0.00–0.02) and degree of abortion on the farms (−0.26 CI: −039; −0.14). At the individual level, a significant correlation was observed between the seroprevalence of T. gondii and region (−0.09 CI: −0.14; −0.04), species (0.07 CI: 0.01–0.14), sex (−0.11 CI: −0.18; −0.03), age (0.08 CI: 0.04–0.12) and physiological status (0.21 CI: 0.18; 0.24). For C. abortus seroprevalence, a significant correlation was observed with the regions (0.02 CI: 0.00; 0.03) and breed (0.01 CI: 0.01; 0.02) of small ruminants reared in the northern regions of Cameroon. These results could be used to implement efficient management measures to prevent and control T. gondii and C. abortus infection in goats and sheep in Cameroon.

Toxoplasmosis and Chlamydophilosis in Small Ruminant Farms in Cameroon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perception of Zoonotic Risks of Farmers

“…A descriptive cross-sectional survey of small ruminant farms was conducted from April to October 2021 in the northern regions of Cameroon (Adamawa, North, Far North) (Figure 1) [6]. These regions account for more than 75% of the small ruminant population in Cameroon and are experiencing strong growth in livestock of various species.…”

“…High prevalence's of toxoplasmosis have been reported in small ruminants, up to 30% in sheep and 60% in goats. For sheep, they are below 30% of all dry countries in tropical Africa (Senegal 11.5%, Djibouti 12.5%, Niger 19.5%, Burkina Faso 23%, Ethiopia 25.6%) but reach 68% in Côte d'Ivoire and 35.9% in Cameroon [2,6,12]. That through Chlamydophilosis, prevalence's are below 30% in both sheep and goats (11.1% and 10.6% respectively, in sheep and goats in Eastern Saudi Arabia, 4.6% and 3.8% respectively, in sheep and goats in Cameroon) [6,13,14].…”

“…For sheep, they are below 30% of all dry countries in tropical Africa (Senegal 11.5%, Djibouti 12.5%, Niger 19.5%, Burkina Faso 23%, Ethiopia 25.6%) but reach 68% in Côte d'Ivoire and 35.9% in Cameroon [2,6,12]. That through Chlamydophilosis, prevalence's are below 30% in both sheep and goats (11.1% and 10.6% respectively, in sheep and goats in Eastern Saudi Arabia, 4.6% and 3.8% respectively, in sheep and goats in Cameroon) [6,13,14]. These studies indicate the multiplicity and complexity of these diseases, both at the individual and herd level.…”

“…Breeders and pregnant women, especially those living in rural areas, generally need to be made aware of the risks of abortifacient zoonotic diseases and how to avoid them. In Cameroon, more than 3/4 of the national small ruminant livestock population comes from the northern regions [19] and Chlamydophila abortus and Toxoplasma gondii represent the two main causes of abortion in livestock [6,20]. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perception (KAPP) of the zoonotic risk related to toxoplasmosis and chlamydophilosis among small ruminant livestock farmers in Cameroon.…”

Toxoplasmosis and Chlamydophilosis in Small Ruminant Farms in Cameroon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perception of Zoonotic Risks of Farmers

“…High prevalence's of toxoplasmosis have been reported in small ruminants, up to 30% in sheep and 60% in goats. For sheep, they are below 30% of all dry countries in tropical Africa (Senegal 11.5%, Djibouti 12.5%, Niger 19.5%, Burkina Faso 23%, Ethiopia 25.6%) but reach 68% in Côte d'Ivoire and 35.9% in Cameroon [2,6,12]. That through Chlamydophilosis, prevalences are below 30% in both sheep and goats (11.1% and 10.6% respectively, in sheep and goats in Eastern Saudi Arabia, 4.6% and 3.8% respectively, in sheep and goats in Cameroon) [6,13,14].…”