Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals (Cow, Goats and Sheep) from butcher’s shops in Mingora City Khyber-pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in abattoir animal of Mingora City from District Swat. Total 200 blood samples were collected 70 each from sheep and goat and 60 from cattle from August to December 2017. Samples were assessed through Latex agglutination test and Immunochromatographic test to establish the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in this region. The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis reported in this study area was 27.5% based on LAT. The prevalence of caattle was 18.3%, 27.14% in goats and 35.71% in sheep. Gender wise, seropositivity was higher in females in case of cattle and goats and males in case of sheep. Age-wise analysis revealed more prevalence of this infection adult species i.e. 3-5 years. Comparison of Latex agglutination test with Immuno chromatographic technique revealed that LAT is more effective in detecting the anti- T. gondii antibodies in animal sera. Majority of seropositive animals were identified in the acute stage of infection. We conclude that concludes that risk of toxoplasmosis is very high through contact with domestic animals used for human consumption in Mingora City. Frequent contact with these animals, especially sheep having highest seropositivity, will increase the risk of toxoplasmosis. Hence, measures should be taken to control the contact of these animals with other non-domestic wild animals.