Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis in the Cows (Cattle), Bos indicus Linnaeus (Mammalia: Eutheria) from Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (Nicole and Manceaux, 1908) (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, causing toxoplasmosis in humans and cattle worldwide. In the current research, seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in the cows (cattle), Bos indicus Linnaeus 1758 (Mammalia: Eutheria) of Dir Upper (DU), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan were determined. Bos indicus (n t =250) including males (n m ale =86) and females (n f emale =164) were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii using Latex Agglutination Test kit ® . Agglutination at 1:16 dilution was considered positive. A 14% overall prevalence was recorded. The antibody titers to T. gondii positive (apparent prevalence) sera were 10%, 2%, 1% and 0% by dilution of 1:16, 1:32, 1:64 and 1 :128, respectively, but true prevalence, for male, female and total were 0.536 % , 0.514 % and 0.525 % , respectively . However, males were found more infected (16%) compared to females (12%). Moreover, the highest rate (16%) of infection was recorded in the 1 - 4 years age range, while the lowest (7%) was in the 5 - 8 years range. However, no significant correlation was found between toxoplasmosis and sex/age. Furthermore, infection was the highest (25%) in B. indicus with 5 pregnancies and no abortion was observed in infected B. indicus . In addition, presence of cats, Felis catus Linnaeus, in households, source of drinking water and type of management of B. indicus resulted to be important risk factors. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis is prevalent in B. indicus in DU. Prompt control measures and public awareness is recommended to lower the risk of infection with T. gondii.