Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in South-West of Iran.

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was conducted in 300 buffaloes from Ahvaz, Kouzestan province, southwest of Iran. Blood sera were screened using a Modified agglutination test (MAT) incorporating 2-mercaptoethanol. Positive reactions in sera dilutions above 1:25 were considered as indicative for the presence of T. gondii antibodies. The overall prevalence of infection in the animals was 14.33% with titers of 1:25 in 21, 1:50 in 12, 1:100 in 6, 1:200 in 2 and 1:400 in 2. The prevalence was different in relation to the sex with buffaloes with 19.7% and 7% in females and males respectively. These results indicate that T. gondii infection in water buffaloes of Khouzestan is relatively high and consumption of buffalo meat may be a risk factor for humans in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran.

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in female cattle in south-west of Iran.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant disease in livestock and humans. In Iran, studies shows that T. gondii infection in humans is relatively high and prevalence is associated mainly with consumption of undercooked meat or meat products. We have examined 450 serum samples from female cattle distributed over all Ahvaz, the center of Khouzestan province, south-west of Iran. IgG antibodies to T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test using whole tachyzoites of T. gondii, and found in 71 (15.77%) of 450 cattle with titers of 1:25 in 38, 1:50 in 18, 1:100 in 11, 1:200 in three and 1:400 in one. Titers of antibodies were decreased in cattle over 2 years old. These results indicate that T. gondii infection in cattle of Khouzestan is relatively considerable, but not very high and consumption of beef may be a source of infection for humans in south-west of Iran.