Sero- Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Cattle in Sharg Elnil and Omdurman Localities, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, a cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2019 from Sharqelnile and Omdurman localities in Khartoum state, Sudan. Serum samples were collected from cattle and tested by Latex agglutination test (LAT). Data, about sources of water, hygienic status at the farm, presence of other animal species, size of the herd, and presence of cats in the vicinity of the farm were obtained using a questionnaire and face to face interviews with cattle owners or cattle keepers were carried out to fill the questionnaires. The overall prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and the infection was 14.8%. Seroprevalence was found to be associated with: sex (P=0.040), size of herd (P=0.026) and presence of cats (P=0.030). No difference of seroprevalence of T.gondii was observed with: age (P=0.247), breed (P=0.100), localities (P=0.100), presence of other animals (P=0.509), sours of water (P=0.574) and hygiene condition (P=0.125). The present study found that T. gondii is prevalent in cattle in Khartoum State, Sudan, and this infection may have important implications for the livestock industry and public health.