Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals in Hamedan, Iran: a sero-epidemiological study
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite with global distribution. This parasite is responsible for major economic losses in livestock; also it is a public health problem owing its transmission to humans. The main aim of current investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic animals (cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys and dogs) from Hamedan province, western Iran. From 2010 up 2012, blood samples were collected randomly in animals in this region. The Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) assays was used for serum evaluation in ruminants (cattle and sheep) and other animals (hroses, donkeys and dogs), respectively. Antibodies to T. gondii were found 2.3% (32/1406) in cattle, 9.7% (68/700) in sheep, 13.3% (16/120) in horses, 47% (47/100) in donkeys and 10.7% (29/270) in dogs. This study is the first report of T. gondii infection in donkeys from Iran. There is Toxoplasma infection in cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys and dogs in Hamedan province, Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to take integrated strategies for prevent and control of infection in animals, which could help to reduce humans infection in this region.
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