Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

M.H Lashari,A.B Gulshan,S Mubeen,W Hassan,A.A Farooq,A Wajid,S Shahida,U Farooq,M.I Khan,S Masood,M Anam,M.S Akhtar,S Zafar,M Nawaz,M.F Azhar,S Aslam,M.T Pervez

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-11723

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.

Highlights

Toxoplasma gondii is a well-recognized global parasite which is responsible for infestations to endothermic animals (Dubey et al, 2010)
Small ruminants especially goat and sheep are susceptible to different parasitic diseases including toxoplasmosis that causes a range of reproductive problems such as prenatal and postnatal mortality, stillbirths or abortions leading to the economic losses and threats to human health via a zoonotic transmission (Gebremedhin et al, 2014)
The results of the present study revealed that the overall prevalence of T. gondii in goats and sheep was 35.64%, 25.24% respectively through latex agglutination test (LAT) (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is a well-recognized global parasite which is responsible for infestations to endothermic animals (Dubey et al, 2010). Small ruminants especially goat and sheep are susceptible to different parasitic diseases including toxoplasmosis that causes a range of reproductive problems such as prenatal and postnatal mortality, stillbirths or abortions leading to the economic losses and threats to human health via a zoonotic transmission (Gebremedhin et al, 2014). Toxoplasmosis is harmful both in terms of economy and health for the country and its people. Humans can become infected with T. gondii by ingesting tissue cysts from infected animal meat, or oocysts from contaminated food or water (Elmore et al, 2010). Risk can be estimated by understanding the serological tests for reactivation and contamination and we can identify the suitable preventive and prophylactic measures such as dietetic, therapeutic, biological, hygienic and clinical records as clinical context (Villard et al, 2016)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion