Serological and Molecular Surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii of Camels in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

T OXOPLASMA gondii causes an important zoonotic parasitic disease that is widespread throughout the world. However, recorded data on camel toxoplasmosis are scarce in different areas in Taif governorate of Saudi Arabia. Camels are the main source of milk and meat in different countries, especially the Gulf countries, and due to this contact, they can transmit toxoplasmosis to humans. Therefore, a toxoplasmosis seroprevalence study was conducted on 65 female camels from three different areas (area 1, 2, and 3) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] (Toxo-IgG). Data were confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. This study reports a prevalence rate of Toxoplasmosis in the examined samples 7/65 (10.8%) and 13/65 (20%) using Toxo-IgG and PCR, respectively. According to positive Toxo-PCR, samples were categorized into two groups: the lowest infection rate was found in the older aged group (>6 years) 8/42 (19.1%). While the highest infection rate was recorded in the younger group (≤6 years) 5/23 (21.7%). In addition, the percentage of the total IgG in camels' sera were the lowest in samples of area 1 and the highest in samples of area 3 that could be related to any previous or recent infection. Statistically, there was no relationship between age and infection rate.

A Study for The Partial Determination of The Prevalence of A Molecular Disease of Cystic Echinococcosis From The Slaughter of One-humped Camel “Camelus Dromedarius” In Beheira, Egypt.

“…The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius), commonly referred to as the one-humped camel, is a multipurpose domestic animal that is found in specific regions of the world, such as the Middle East. [1,2,3]. Camel diseases are not only of veterinary interest but also of public health concern [4,5].…”