Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the one‐humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the south of Iran

Abstract

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis, an important zoonotic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Camels are one of several host species for T. gondii parasites and play an important role in the transmission of T. gondii to humans. Objectives The present study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from three provinces (Fars, Bushehr and Hormozgan), southern Iran first for this host. Methods A total of 180 serum samples were analysed for the presence of anti‐Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using the enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay. Results Our results showed an overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in 15% of animals. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in sera of 27 of 180 dromedary camels from Fars, Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces, southern Iran. Age or the gender of the camel did not significantly affect the seroprevalence (p > 0.05). There was no significant association between herd‐level seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and abortion history, province location residence, history of animal keeping and history of contact with other animals (p > 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study showed the presence of T. gondii antibodies among camels in Southern Iran, which could be a public health concern. According to the prevalence of T. gondii infection in camel, the implementation of control measures to reduce infection in both definitive and intermediate hosts is needed.

Keywords

• camel (Camelus dromedarius)
• ELISA; Iran; seroepidemiology
• Toxoplasma gondii