Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Cattle and Sheep in Isfahan, Iran

Background and aims: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite which has the potential toinfect all warm-blooded animals. Sheep and cattle play a main role in the economy and their infectionto T. gondii, besides economic losses, can cause the infection of humans through the consumptionof raw meat and other products. In this study, we aimed to survey the prevalence of T. gondii in thelivestock in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: A total of ۳۸۴ samples including ۱۴۴ sheep and ۱۳۰ bovine serum samples from Isfahan and۵۰ sheep and ۶۰ bovine serum samples from Kashan slaughterhouses were tested for the presence ofT. gondii antibody using the indirect immunofluorescence method.Results: In general, the antibody was found in ۲۷.۳۱% of sheep and ۲۲.۶۳% of cattle at a dilution of≥۱:۲۰۰. In detail, ۲۶.۱۵% of bovine and ۲۶.۱۷% of sheep serums from Isfahan and ۱۵% of bovine and۲۲% of sheep serums from Kashan were seropositive.Conclusion: The study revealed that sheep and cattle can be a significant intermediate host for thespread of the disease in this region (Isfahan province) and the health and livestock authorities in theprovince should be given priority in improving animal welfare and nutrition.

Keywords:

Toxoplasma gondii , Sheep , Cattle , Indirect immunofluorescence