Pathological and parasitological studies on Toxoplasmosis as a causative agent of abortion among goats in Egypt

ABSTRACT

To investigate the role of toxoplasmosis in abortion of goats in Egypt, a total of 130 balady goats [2-3 years old], were used for this study. ELISA kit was used for detection of antibodies against T.gondii in does. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alteration were also used for diagnosis of natural Toxoplasma infection of goats. The results indicated that, out of 130 examined animals 67 [51,54%] were infected with T.gondii. The hematological findings revealed decrease in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration [normocytic normochromic anaemia], and leukocytosis. The biochemical findings were significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Also, there was significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activity, urea and creatinine levels. The characteristic pathological lesion in aborted fetuses consists of focal or diffuse necrotic foci and infiltration with round cells in the brain, with other pathological alterations in lungs, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine. Toxoplasma organisms were demonstrated in these organs as single trophozoites, or within the cysts. The results indicated also, that clinic-pathological examination supported serologically by ELISA could be useful for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in goats. Public health aspects of T. gondii infection in goats were discussed as well