Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in large ruminants in northern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis that causes significant economic losses due to abortions and other developmental disabilities in livestock animals. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle and buffaloes in northern parts of Punjab, Pakistan, where no such work previously existed. Methodology:Serum samples obtained from 400 cattle and 422 buffaloes present on different private and government-owned farms were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additional data, including water sources, hygienic status at the farm, management practices, size of the herd, and presence of cats in the vicinity of the farm were obtained using a questionnaire in surveys and interviews. Results: The overall prevalence of infection was 19.75% (79/400) in cattle and 15.16% (64/422) in buffaloes. IgG antibodies were found in 75 (18.75%) cattle and 58 (13.74%) buffaloes, while IgM antibodies were found in 9 (2.25%) cattle and 10 (2.37%) buffaloes. Seroprevalence was significantly higher in females and older animals of both species. Seroprevalence was found to be associated with poor hygienic conditions, extensive management practices, and presence of cats in the surrounding areas. No difference of seroprevalence was observed with respect to different breeds, location, water source, and herd size. Conclusion: The present study found that T. gondii is prevalent in large ruminants in northern Punjab, and may have important implications for the livestock industry and public health.

Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats in El-Gadarif state

“…This was in disagreement with the results of Elfahal et al (2013) who found no significant relationship between antibody prevalence and breed. Ahmad et al (2015) found no significant breed-related difference with regard to seropositivity in goats, while it was significantly high in salt range sheep as compared to other breeds of sheep.…”

“…Furthermore, age was an important factor for being seropositive as a measure of the cumulated life-time risk. Ahmad et al (2015) indicated that the likelihood of infection increased with age in sheep and goats.…”

“…Ahmad et al (2015) found that poor hygienic conditions, presence of cats, extensive farming practice, flock size larger than 50 individuals and pregnancy as risk factors related to toxoplasmosis in sheep. Similarly, poor hygienic condition, usage of outdoor water source, presence of cats, extensive farming practice and flock sized larger than 30 and 50 individuals were factors that influence the occurrence of toxoplasmosis in goats.…”

Avaliação Das Condições Higiênico-Sanitárias Dos Alimentos Servidos Nos Food Trucks Na Cidade De Uberlândia/Mg

“…It should be emphasized that animal sanitation in Marajó Island is usually poor because of the lack of adequate animal management, and the physical characteristics of the region limit livestock productivity (BARBOSA, 2005). Ahmad and Qayyum (2014) observed that the number of animals positive for antibodies to T. gondii was significantly higher in farms with poor hygiene, and the presence of cats in the vicinity of the farm contributed to the spread of infection.…”

Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis Among Cancer Patients.

“…Results of this study revealed that 52.24% of cancer patients and 30.5% of the control group had chronic toxoplasmosis disease. 15.73% of cancer patients had acute Toxoplasma infection. However, 33.89% of toxoplasmosis patients had a cute infection.…”