Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important food borne parasitic zoonoses. However, data on Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption in Nigeria are scarce. We thus conducted a survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle and pigs in farms and the abattoirs between June and December 2012. Sera from 210 cattle (both sexes) and 302 pigs (both sexes), were examined for T. gondii specific IgG antibodies by indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalences determined were 13.91 % in cattle and 29.14 % in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 0.499 to 2.103 in cattle, and 0.544 to 3.020 in pigs. The prevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age. The seroprevalences (26.23 %) and (36.54 %) for adult cattle and pigs respectively, were higher compared to younger groups. However the difference was not significant (P > 0.05) in cattle but significant (P < 0.05) in pigs. In Nigeria, exposure to raw or undercooked foods is a risk factor for T. gondii infection. Knowledge of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis will help to target prevention efforts.

Seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection in slaughtered pigs in Makurdi, Nigeria

“…Our study indicates an increased seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis with age. This is in agreement with the reports of Zemene et al (2012) and Onyiche & Ademola (2015), who reported statistically significant association between age and toxoplasmosis. Nonetheless, the present study showed no significant association between age and toxoplasmosis.…”

“…In addition, the high prevalence in the former study could be attributed to the geographical location where the study was conducted. Ayinmode & Olaosebikan (2013) reported a similar prevalence of 25 % in a study conducted within the same geographical location as Onyiche & Ademola (2015). Animals reared outdoors are more prone to parasitic infections because they pick up parasites from contaminated environment.…”

“…Results from this study revealed a low prevalence compared to previous studies. Onyiche & Ademola (2015) reported a seroprevalence of 29.14 % in pig farms and abattoirs in Ibadan, Nigeria, during the late rainy and early dry season. Epidemiologically, the infection is said to be more prevalent in warm climates and in humid areas than in cold climates and dry areas (Dubey, 2010;Kistiah et al, 2011).…”

“…In Nigeria, few studies on toxoplasmosis in pigs have been reported and mainly in the south western region of the country. In Ibadan, Onyiche & Ademola (2015) reported seroprevalence of 29.14 % in pig farms and abattoirs, while Ayinmode & Olaosebikan (2013) reported seroprevalence of 25 % in backyard and wandering pigs. Akande et al (2016) (Robert-Gangneux & Darde, 2012).…”

Toxoplasma gondii in Meat for Human Consumption – A Brief Review of the Most Described Strategies for Its Detection and Quantification

“…Pigs and sheep are also commonly infected. Pigs are very susceptible to become experimentally infected and show high prevalence rates in some regions of the United States, as well in warm and tropical countries [16][17][18][19][20][21]. Prevalence rates of T. gondii in sheep are also widely distributed.…”