Current Status of Toxoplasmosis in Breeding Sites, Slaughterhouses and Cats in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan responsible for infections in humans and animals. Human contamination by Toxoplasma gondii occurs through the consumption of parasitized and undercooked farm animal meat containing cysts, as well as fruit, fresh vegetables and water contaminated by oocysts which are eliminated by cats in the environment. In order to assess the prevalence of toxoplasmosis of animal origin in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, a total of 300 animals were sampled from slaughterhouses and breeding sites, as well as 100 cats, from March 2023 to November 2023. Analyses were carried out on a total of 400 samples, including 300 blood samples for the detection of anti-toxoplasma antibodies using the cypress diagnostic latex agglutination method and the Toxo Meddiff immunochromatographic test, and 100 cat stool samples for the detection of oocysts using the Dubey sucrose flotation method. The results showed that 191 of the 300 blood samples were positive, giving a seroprevalence of 63.66%. However, when evaluated by animal type, the highest seroprevalence was observed in cattle with a seroprevalence of 76.42%, followed by sheep with a seroprevalence of 60.90% and pigs with a seroprevalence of 34%. Coprological tests on cats showed that 6 of the 100 stool samples taken were positive, i.e. a prevalence of 6%, with 7.5% in Diata, 6.66% in M'PILA and 5% in Moungali. This study shows a strong presence of toxoplasmosis in the animal population, correlated with the presence of oocysts found in cat feces, demonstrating that environmental contamination is a source of animal contamination. This study provides us with a better understanding of the dynamics of toxoplasma transmission to humans, demonstrating the importance of sanitary and hygienic-dietary measures in both humans and animals.