Seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep from Marrakech, Morocco

Vet Parasitol. 2005 Jun 10;130(1-2):89-92. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.03.025. Epub 2005 Apr 22.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite transmitted by food. Concerning this parasite, there are few studies done in Morocco. In this study, 261 sera from sheep intended for consumption in Marrakech were subjected to the Toxoplasma ELISA based serology test for the detection of anti-T. gondii specific IgG confirming a past infection. Of the total tested 72 (27.6%) sera were positive for IgG. This result shows that the seroprevalence approaches the world average and is similar to what is found in other cities of Morocco. This has prompted us to investigate other animal species in the region in order to evaluate the degree of contamination by this parasite as well as the potential risk incurred on consumption of their meat.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Morocco / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / blood
  • Sheep Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology*
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / blood
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan