TITLE:
Seropositivity and Other Determinants Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Local Buffalo in Iraq
AUTHORS:
Rafid Jawad Kazem, Imad Kazem Ali
KEYWORDS:
Toxoplasmosis, Buffalo, Local, Seropositivity, Iraq
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.14 No.1,
January
22,
2024
ABSTRACT: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffalo in three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) and to estimate the risk aspects related to infestation throughout the period from January to December 2019. A total of 430 serum samples were inspected with a commercial ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Indirect multi-species kit. The overall Seropositivity of T. gondii in the examined local buffalo was 7.4%, and the highest rate (9.3%) was in Baghdad Governorate. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10; 95% CI: 0.87-57.68; P = 0.067) and young herds (OR = 8.42; 95% CI: 1.07-66.02; P = 0.043) were more subject to infestation from young buffalo and large herds. Furthermore, the hazard of toxoplasmosis was increased in winter especially among animals in contact with cats. It is therefore requisite to determine risk aspects to evaluate which mitigation, control, prevention and procedures should be carried out to diminish, control and prevent infestation with T. gondii and its propagation.