Toxoplasma gondii in Aborted Fetuses of Sheep in Ardebil Ar-ea, North-West of Iran

Abstract

Background: One of the severe complications of toxoplasmosis is the induction of abortion in sheep, goats, and human beings. The rate of abortions related to toxoplasmosis in sheep varies between 10% and 23% in the United States and European countries. In Iran, Toxoplasma infection were diagnosed in aborted ovine fetuses between 13.5% and 69% in the brain samples based on PCR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abortions related to T. gondii among the aborted fetuses of sheep in Ardabil area, North-West of Iran.
 Methods: The brains of 75 aborted sheep fetuses in Ardebil area were investigated with nested PCR method using fragments of the GRA6 gene during lambing seasons in 2014-2015. Meanwhile, thoracic and abdominal fluids of aborted fetuses and 200 serum samples collected from the herds affected by abortion were examined for the existence of anti-T. gondii IgG.
 Results: For 48 out of the 75 fetal brain samples (64%), the results of nested PCR test were found to be positive. Furthermore, antibodies against Toxoplasma was observed in 136 (68%) collected samples of sheep and 21 samples (28%) of fetal fluids.
 Conclusion: There is the significant role of T. gondii in the abortions of sheep in Ardabil area. Meanwhile, this condition can also be dangerous for human beings because of their consumption of sheep meat.

Molecular Survey of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Aborted Fetuses of Sheep in the Iğdır Province of Türkiye

“…Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in aborted fetuses have been reported in various studies around the world. These include 10% in Germany (Steuber et al 1995), 13% in Italy (Chessa et al 2014), 14.3% in Brazil (de Moraes et al 2011), 13.5% in Iran (Rassouli et al 2011, 64% in Iran (Shahbazi et al 2019), 11.8% in Romania (Paştiu et al 2023, and 5.4% in Spain (Moreno et al 2012). In our study, a positivity rate of 16.6% was observed.…”

Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Ruminants Aborted Fetuses in Northern Iran Using Molecular and Bioassay Techniques

“…In this area, parasite was detected by RE gene, where 18.6% (13/70) of ruminant abortions were found positive ( 17 ). The prevalence rate of T. gondii in small ruminant aborted fetuses in Iran is variable; 13.5% in Khorasan Razavi, 66% in Qazvin Provinces using PCR method and with aim to amplification of B1 gene marker, and 64% in aborted lambs in Ardebil by the GRA6 gene ( 18 – 20 ).…”

Comparisons of the Sexual Cycles for the Coccidian Parasites Eimeria and Toxoplasma

“…Both Coccidia pathogens put at risk the economy, especially regarding livestock and agriculture. Toxoplasmosis causes recurrent abortions in sheep ( Shahbazi et al., 2019 ). Avian coccidiosis from Eimeria spp.…”