Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplama gondii in small ruminants (sheep and goat) in different provinces of Mongolia

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat is the main risk factor for acquiring T. gondii infection in humans. Meat and meat products derived from goats and sheep are mainly consumed in Mongolia; however, there is limited epidemiological information on T. gondii infection in small ruminants in this country. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats in Mongolia. The seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies was determined by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the recombinant antigens of dense granule protein 7 of T. gondii. A total of 1078 goat and 882 sheep blood samples were collected from 17 of 21 provinces and the capital city of Mongolia. Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii among the goat and sheep samples was 32% and 34.8%, respectively. The seroprevalence among goat samples was significantly higher in western (42.7%) and eastern (45.6%) regions compared with other regions (24%). Additionally, the seroprevalence among sheep was significantly higher in eastern regions (55.4%) compared with other regions (26%–33%). Age, but not sex, was considered a risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity in goats, whereas no statistically significant differences were observed in sheep for age or sex. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the high seroprevalence of T. gondii in small ruminants in Mongolia. Our results highlight that country-wide control measures are required to minimize infections in livestock.