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Zoonotic toxoplasmosis in chicken
Ahmed K Deyab1, Raafat Hassanein
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|May 11, 2005
Summary
A study found that 18.7% of chickens had Toxoplasma antibodies, with higher prevalence in house-bred birds. Tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were confirmed in seropositive chickens, highlighting public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Foodborne Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is a significant foodborne parasite.
- Poultry can act as a reservoir for T. gondii, posing a risk to human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in chickens using the modified agglutination test (MAT).
- To investigate the presence of T. gondii tissue cysts in seropositive chickens.
- To discuss the public health implications of Toxoplasma infection in poultry.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 150 chickens (90 farm-bred, 60 house-bred) were tested using the modified agglutination test (MAT).
- Histopathological examination of tissues from seropositive chickens was performed.
- T. gondii tissue cysts were identified in various organs.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 18.7%.
- House-bred chickens showed a higher prevalence (30.0%) compared to farm-bred chickens (11.1%).
- T. gondii tissue cysts were found in 78.6% of seropositive chickens, predominantly in the brain.
Conclusions:
- Chickens, particularly house-bred ones, are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection.
- The presence of T. gondii tissue cysts in poultry meat presents a potential public health risk.
- Further research and control measures are warranted to mitigate transmission risks.