A seroepidemiological survey of<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>infection in referred dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is an intracellular protozoan parasite, which is the cause of toxoplasmosis and can infect a wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including dogs and humans. The present study evaluated the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in pet dogs in Ahvaz, southwest city of Iran, and investigated the related possible risk factors. A total of 180 serum samples were collected from dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz. The samples were then tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies were 46.67%. Logistic regression and chi square tests were used for evaluating of risk factors. The positivity increased statistically significantly with dog's gender (56% females and 39% males, <i>P</i> = 0.001), age (18% in <2 years old, 96% in ≥4 years old, <i>P</i> = 0.001) and place of living (47% outdoor dogs 38% house hold dogs, <i>P</i> = 0.025). However, no statistically significant association was found with dogs' breed, deworming, food ingestion or contact with cats. Overall, the results showed a relatively high seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in dogs in southwest Iran (Ahvaz) and proved association of <i>T. gondii</i> prevalence rates with the dog's age, gender and place of living.