Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep and Goats in Bandar-e Torkman

Subject Areas : Immunology

Seyedeh Ommolbanin Ghasemian ^{1 *} , Taha Arazgoldizadeh ² , Shaqayeq Qannad ³ , Hamid Reza Pishbin ⁴

1 - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Behbahan Branch, Behbahan, Iran
2 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Shushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran
3 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student, Shushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran
4 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student, Shushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran

Received: 2025-04-24 Accepted : 2025-07-19 Published : 2025-07-26

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, sheep, Goat, Eliza, Bandar-e Torkman,

Abstract :

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is of considerable economic importance in domestic animals, especially sheep and goats, due to early fetal death, abortion, mummification, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. In Golestan province, as in other parts of the country, toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent in these animals, and since their meat is an important source of protein, public education and awareness are necessary for disease prevention. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats in Bandar Torkaman. For this purpose, blood samples were collected, and after serum separation, the indirect ELISA kit from IDVET was used to detect specific anti-parasite IgG antibodies. The results showed that 15.4% of sheep and 9.1% of goats were infected. Although infection was more common in females, the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis increased with age, with the highest rate observed in animals over 36 months. Additionally, breed had no effect on the infection rate in sheep and goats. The serological prevalence observed in Bandar Torkaman indicates that domestic animals may play a significant role in the transmission of the disease to humans. Therefore, control, prevention, and treatment of livestock should be considered.

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