Serological Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Livestock and Humans in Bahawalpur Cholistan Region

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) apicomplexan parasite. Due to significant populations of cattle and buffaloes, the Cholistan region is a major hub for livestock production. Exposure to contaminated food, soil, or feces infects livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, and their handlers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in livestock and their handlers in Bahawalpur cholistan region. This study used a cross-sectional approach, incorporating collecting data samples from cattle, buffalo and their handlers at the same point of time. The study was conducted in the Cholistan region of Bahawalpur. Total 170 blood samples of butchers (N=50), farmers (N=35), cattle (N=35), and buffaloes (N=50) were randomly collected from Bahawalpur abattoir and buffalo and cattle farms. Latex agglutination kit test (LAT) was used to detect the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to evaluate the seropositivity among various age groups by using WINPEPI software for Windows (Version 11.39). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in butchers, farmers, cattle and buffaloes Bahawalpur were 41.17%, 22.85%, 22.85% and 22.72% respectively by using Latex Agglutination test (LAT) to detect IgG T. gondii antibodies. Thirteen butchers were seropositive at 1:256 dilution suggesting recent contact; four butchers and three farmers were seropositive at 1:128 due to acquired immunity, while four butchers and five farmers were seropositive at dilution 1:16, indicating non-specific immunity. Six cattle and two buffalo were seropositive at 1:256, indicating recent infection, two cattle and two buffalo were seropositive at 1:128 suggesting acquired immunity, and five buffaloes were found seropositive at 1:16 dilution showing residual immunity. Chi square test revealed non-significant results among different age groups of butchers, farmers, cattle, and buffalos。The seropositivity was not significantly different among the various age groups of butchers, farmers, cattle, and buffaloes.