Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of<i> Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection among Domestic Ruminants in East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2011 to September 2013 to assess the seroprevalence and identify risk factors of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection in domestic ruminants of East Hararghe zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Sera of 1360 domestic ruminants were analyzed for the presence of anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG antibodies using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Additionally, the owners were also interviewed using a structured questionnaire to identify the potential risk factors of <i>T. gondii</i> infection. Overall, the prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in domestic ruminants was 22.2% (302/1360). The seroprevalence in sheep, goats, cattle, and camels was 33.7%, 27.6%, 10.7%, and 14.4%, respectively. District, species, sex, age, and water source were identified as risk factors for <i>T. gondii</i> infection. Increased seropositivity was observed in females (OR = 2.63) and also with the use of pond (OR = 4.25) and pipe (OR = 9.57) water sources in sheep; age >1 year old (OR = 3.45) and with drinking from pond (OR = 6.03) and pipe (OR = 11.61) water sources in goats; with the use of pond (OR = 5.60) and pipe (OR = 10.68) water sources in cattle; and in >4-year-old camels (OR = 2.49). In conclusion, <i>T. gondii</i> infection is common and widespread among the domestic ruminants of the study area, indicating the potential transmission to humans from these animals when they are used as a source of food. Hence, it is crucial to raise awareness of the people about <i>T. gondii</i> infection and conduct further study to explore the impact of the disease on food animal production.