Seroprevalence Assessment and Risk Factor Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Goats from Northeastern Algeria

Abstract

<i>T. gondii</i> is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease relevant in human and veterinary medicine. In Algeria, few reports focused on the presence and circulation of this parasite in the local goat population. The aim of the survey was to evaluate toxoplasmosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors. Sera from 460 goats reared on 72 farms in northeastern Algeria were collected and tested for IgG antibodies to <i>T. gondii</i> by an indirect ELISA. To identify risk factors, a linear regression analysis of the variables was performed. Anti-<i>T. gondii</i> antibodies were found in 94.44% (68/72; 95% CI: 73.34-119.73) of goat farms and in 53.26% (245/460; 95% CI: 46.80-60.36) at the individual level. The multivariable analysis showed that seasonal pasture (OR = 3.804; 95% CI: 3.321-4.358; <i>p</i> = 0.003), presence of water source in pasture area (OR = 4.844; 95% CI: 1.942-7.789; <i>p</i> = 0.0004), use of anthelminthics (OR = 2.640; 95% CI: 1.592-3.146; <i>p</i> = 0.036), number of cats, hygiene, proportion of abortions, number of abortions in the last year, year of sampling, region, and season were the variables significantly associated with <i>T. gondii</i> seropositivity. Abortions in goat herds seem to be related to <i>T. gondii</i> exposure, thus it is crucial to undertake measures and strategies to reduce, control, and prevent toxoplasmosis infection in goats, and thereby in humans, from Algeria.