Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important food borne parasitic zoonoses. However, data on Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption in Nigeria are scarce. We thus conducted a survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle and pigs in farms and the abattoirs between June and December 2012. Sera from 210 cattle (both sexes) and 302 pigs (both sexes), were examined for T. gondii specific IgG antibodies by indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalences determined were 13.91% in cattle and 29.14% in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 0.499 to 2.103 in cattle, and 0.544 to 3.020 in pigs. The prevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age. The seroprevalences (26.23%) and (36.54%) for adult cattle and pigs respectively, were higher compared to younger groups. However the difference was not significant (P>0.05) in cattle but significant (P<0.05) in pigs. In Nigeria, exposure to raw or undercooked foods is a risk factor for T. gondii infection. Knowledge of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis will help to target prevention efforts.