Animal toxoplasmosis in Iran

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• One Health Approach

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii is a globally significant protozoan parasite.
• It infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals, posing risks to livestock and human health.
• Understanding its prevalence in animal populations is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in various animal species in Iran.
• To isolate and identify Toxoplasma gondii strains from infected animals.
• To assess the potential role of these animals as reservoirs for T. gondii.

Main Methods:

• A latex agglutination slide test was employed to detect Toxoplasma antibodies in serum samples from cats, dogs, jackals, sheep, goats, and cows.
• Brain tissue from sero-positive and sero-negative animals, as well as black kites, was inoculated into mice for parasite isolation.
• Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii strains was attempted via intraperitoneal inoculation.

Main Results:

• Sero-positive rates for Toxoplasma antibodies ranged from 12.6% to 56.0% across different species, with stray dogs exhibiting the highest prevalence (56.0%).
• Sixteen strains of Toxoplasma gondii were successfully isolated.
• Isolation rates varied by species: cats (47.0%), dogs (14.2%), sheep (7.5%), and a black kite.

Conclusions:

• Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in diverse animal populations in Iran, indicating a significant public health concern.
• Domestic and wild animals, including birds, can act as reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii.
• Further research is needed to elucidate transmission dynamics and implement effective control strategies.