Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of toxoplasma infection in food animals and humans the world over. The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in slaughtered pigs in Kafanchan, Kaduna in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Serum samples were collected in pig slaughterhouses in Kafanchan (200) and Kaduna (102). Information on sex and age were obtained from each location. Toxoplasmosis Indirect multi-species Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay commercial kit obtained from ID-Vet, Montpelier, France were used to detect T. gondii specific IgG antibodies. An overall prevalence of 14.9% T. gondii in pigs from the three locations was recorded. The farm-based seroprevalence was 20% and slaughterhouse-based seroprevalence was 16.6%. There was however no statistically significant difference between seroprevalence in slaughter-houses and farms (p>0.05). The age-based seroprevalence was 20.4% in age group 0 - 5 months, 6 - 12 months 8.0% and lowest seroprevalence was 2% in greater 12 months of age, the difference were however not statistically significant. The seroprevalence for male was (13.6%) and female (18.2%), but there was no statistically significant association in both sexes. This study has demonstrated the presence of T. gondii antibodies in pigs slaughtered in Kafanchan and Kaduna metropolis. Farm and slaughterhouse workers, pig handlers and pig consumers are at the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the study area. Intensified public awareness campaign on T. gondii in pig farming and consuming public is indicated.
Published Version
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