Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Kashan, Central Iran

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common meat‐borne parasitic infections worldwide. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat which contains Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts is an important route of human infection. In this study, we investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goat samples in Kashan, Iran, from 2015 to 2016. Serological (IgG antibody) and molecular detections were performed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction on the sera and heart samples of sheep (n = 90) and goats (n = 90), respectively. T. gondii‐IgG antibody was detected in 12.2% of sheep and 4.4% of goat samples. The parasite's DNA was detected in 17.8 and 8.9% of sheep and goat samples, respectively.Practical applicationsThe results of this study emphasize on the role of the sheep and goat as reservoirs of T. gondii infection. Hence, consumption of adequately cooked meat should be considered for prevention of T. gondii infection in humans.

Molecular and serological detection and of Toxoplasma gondii in small ruminants of southwest Iran and the potential risks for consumers

“…An earlier epidemiological study with geographical conditions similar to that in the present study has demonstrated that the T. gondii -IgG antibody was detected in 12.2% of the sheep and 4.4% of the goat samples in Kashan, Iran (Rasti et al 2017 ). The main seroprevalence studies reported in Iran are summarized in Table 1 .…”

“…Antibodies were found in 30% of goats and 35% of sheep. In other investigations using ELISA, anti- T. gondii IgG was detected in 12.2% of sheep and 4.4% of goat sera samples in Kashan, Iran (Rasti et al 2017 ). Based on the results of liver juice serology, 32.6% and 48% of sheep and goats, respectively, showed antibodies against T. gondii (Bahrami et al 2019 ).…”

“…In contrast, in the north of Iran, especially in Gilan and Mazandaran provinces with humid climates, higher seroprevalence rates of T. gondii are reported in sheep and goats (Havakhah et al 2014 ; Sharif et al 2007 ). However, a low seroprevalence rate of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats is reported in Kashan, in the center of Iran (12.2% and 4.4%), and Kerman in the southeastern part of the country (3.3% and 1.7%) with arid climates (Derakhshan and Mousavi, 2014 ; Rasti et al 2017 ) (see details in Table 1 ).…”

Molecular detection and genotype identification of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic and industrial eggs

“…Zero prevalence toxoplasmosis in local eggs in one of the areas of this study (Haji Abad) with Warm and dry weather indicates the effect of moisture on the survival of oocyte. Across the globe, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is high in tropical wet areas and down in warm and dry areas (Meerburg & Kijlstra, 2009;Rasti, Marandi, Abdoli, Delavari, & Mousavi, 2018). In our study, all of the isolates detected from egg were type III, our isolates from egg were similar to those of the chickens from Iran (Zia-Ali et al, 2007) and Egypt, That were mostly of type III (Dubey et al, 2003).…”

“…Zero prevalence toxoplasmosis in local eggs in one of the areas of this study (Haji Abad) with Warm and dry weather indicates the effect of moisture on the survival of oocyte. Across the globe, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is high in tropical wet areas and down in warm and dry areas (Meerburg & Kijlstra, ; Rasti, Marandi, Abdoli, Delavari, & Mousavi, ). The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in tropical countries in South America and Africa shows the impact of humidity on oocyte survival (Robert‐Gangneux & Dardé, ) as it increases with increasing moisture in temperate regions such as France (Afonso, Thulliez, & Gilot‐Fromont, ).…”