Speaker
Description
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including poultry and humans. Transmission occurs via maternal-fetal transmission, ingestion of tissue cysts in raw or undercooked meat, ingestion of oocysts from contaminated food, water or soil. Despite its global prevalence, epidemiological data on toxoplasmosis in poultry in the Sub-Saharan Africa region remain limited.
Objectives: This study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among free-range chickens in Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana and its risk factors.
Methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed, and 360 free-range chickens were sampled for the collection of blood and questionnaire was administed to their owners. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to detect T. gondii antibodies.
Key findings
Results revealed a seroprevalence of 61%, with a few of the management practices particularly, the purpose for rearing chickens (p=0.036) significantly associated with seropositivity. Remarkably, household ownership of cats was not significantly associated with infection rates.
Implication: The high seroprevalence level observed suggests a widespread contamination and an increased risk of infection through soil, water or food. Further studies are recommended to examine host-specific determinants (age, breed), human-chicken transmission potential, and cohabiting livestock effects on prevalence.
Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Local chickens, Free-range chicken, Zoonotic parasites, Risk Factors, ELISA, Seroepidemiology, Ashanti Region.