Seroprevalence and Public Health Significance of Toxoplasmosis in Small Ruminants of Pastoral Community in Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Blood Samples of Domestic Livestock in the Republic of Korea

Toxoplasma gondii, a major zoonotic pathogen distributed worldwide, causes severe infections in humans, animals, and birds. However, limited information is available regarding T. gondii infection in livestock in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Herein, we determined the prevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock in the ROK and identified animal species that can potentially transmit T. gondii to humans. B1 gene-targeting nested polymerase chain reaction detected T. gondii DNA in 3.3% (2/61), 2.9% (3/105), 14.1% (11/78), and 15.4% (14/91) of dairy cattle, beef cattle, Boer goats, and Korean native goats, respectively. The prevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher (p = 0.002) in goats than in cattle. The risk of contracting T. gondii infection was significantly higher by 6.18-fold in Korean native goats (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72–22.27%, p = 0.005) and by 5.58-fold in Boer goats (95% CI: 1.50–20.76%, p = 0.010) than in beef cattle. Our T. gondii DNA sequences exhibited 97.1–100% homology with those obtained from various hosts in other countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report T. gondii infection using the blood samples of domestic ruminants in the ROK. The results revealed that the prevalence of T. gondii infection is higher in goats than in cattle as determined by molecular detection. Thus, these findings suggest that T. gondii can be transmitted from ruminants to humans via meat consumption.

Seroprevalence and risk assessment of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats in North and Beqaa governorates of Lebanon

Background and Aim:

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that affects both humans and animals, leading to abortions and significant clinical manifestations in pregnant and immunocompromised hosts, in addition to massive economic losses in animal industries. Data from Lebanon are scarce regarding the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Lebanon.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2020 to April 2021. Blood samples from 150 sheep and 145 goats (total 295) destined for human consumption were obtained from 20 Lebanese farms located in the North and Beqaa governorates. The anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies were assayed through means of a modified agglutination test with a cutoff titer of 20.

Results:

An overall seroprevalence of 48.5% (143/295) was reported: About 56.6% seroprevalence was found in sheep (85/150) and 40% (58/145) in goats. Adult age, female gender, and the wet season were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity rate of T. gondii infection (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.043, respectively).

Conclusion:

These results confirm the spread of T. gondii in sheep and goats destined for human consumption in various geographical regions in Lebanon. Therefore, continuous monitoring of T. gondii infection in livestock is warranted to control the spread of the infection and limit its potential transmission to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum in Cattle of Pastoral Production System in Teltelle District of Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background

Neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia. However, its status and impact in pastoral cattle production settings were uncovered. This study was performed with the aims of estimating the seroprevalence and associated potential risk factors for Neospora caninum in Boran cattle in Teltelle district of Borana zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

180 blood samples were collected from 48 randomly selected pastoral herds using a multistage sampling technique and subjected to an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to detect antibodies specific to N. caninum. A questionnaire survey was also used to identify the potential risk factors of N. caninum in the study area. Evaluation of the associated risk factors was conducted using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Antibodies against N. caninum exposure were detected in 5% of cattle (95% CI: 1.816–8.184) from 180 animals tested. Similarly, the seroprevalence of N. caninum in herds with at least one positive animal was 14.6% (95% CI: 4.598–24.567) from 48 herds examined. A multivariable logistic regression model identified the following as significant risk factors: a history of abortion (AOR = 23; 95% CI: 2.354–188.702; P = 0.006), dystocia (AOR = 11; 95% CI = 22.275–55.860; P = 0.003), wells water sources (AOR = 9; 95% CI: 1.599–47.568; P = 0.012), and dogs fed with raw animal products (AOR = 6; 95% CI: 11.213–27.222; P = 0.028).

Conclusion

This study revealed the first serological evidence of N. caninum exposure in cattle reared under pastoral production system. Our findings suggest N. caninum is likely to be an important cause of abortion and dystocia in cattle in Ethiopia. Management practices, such as provision of hygienic water and restriction of dogs fed with raw animal products, are likely to reduce the risk of infection. Thus, maximizing community awareness about these disease management practices is suggested.