Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals of Mohmand agency, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among domestic animals of Mohmand Agency, Pakistan. Methods: Indirect haemagglutination test was used to detect Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibodies in the sera. Results: Out of 384 domestic animals, 124 (32.29%) were seropositive for antibodies of T. gondii. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 out of 104 examined goats (53.84%). The seropositivity in male and female goats were 20 (38.46%) and 36 (69.23%) respectively. The seropositivity of T. gondii in sheep was 36% (n=100) while the prevalence in female sheep was higher (41.66%) as compared to male sheep (30.76%). A total of 8 out of 48 male cows were detected seropositive (16.66%) and 8 out of 32 female cows were detected seropositive (25%). Lowest prevalence was detected in buffaloes which was 16% (n=100). Out of 52 male buffaloes 4 were detected seropositive for T. gondii antibodies (7.69%) while in female buffaloes was 25% (n=48). The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was higher in goats and lower in buffaloes. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that T. gondii infection is high in domestic animals in Mohmand agency, Pakistan, which has implications for public health in this region. Essential control strategies and suitable measures should be carried out rationally in this region, in order to lower the risk of exposure to T. gondii