The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among horses in Northwest Iran

Toxoplasmosis is an important health concern for people and farm animals, leading to many studies on its effects on these populations. Despite this, there is a lack of research on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among horses in Iran. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) in northwest Iran horses. In this study, blood samples were taken from ۳۸۵ horses in Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, and West Azerbaijan provinces. Data regarding the age, gender, and location of each horse was documented to assess their impact on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis. The data was analyzed using the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < ۰.۰۵. Of the ۳۸۵ samples, ۳۴ (۸.۸%) were positive for Toxoplasma gondii. Among the ۲۷۱ male and ۱۱۴ female horses, ۲۴ (۸.۹%) and ۱۰ (۸.۸%) were seropositive, respectively. Of the ۱۱۶ horses under and ۲۶۹ over five years old, ۱۵ (۱۲.۹%) and ۱۹ (۷.۱%) were seropositive, respectively. The prevalence rates in Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, and West Azerbaijan were ۱۱.۷% (۱۸ out of ۱۵۴), ۵.۱% (۷ out of ۱۳۶), and ۹.۵% (۹ out of ۹۵), respectively. According to the statistical analysis, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection based on age, gender, or sampling location. This study is the first extensive report on the toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among horses in northwest Iran. The results provide important information that can help control and prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis.

Keywords:

Horse , Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) , Seroprevalence , Toxoplasma gondii