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Veterinary world2019; 12(12); 2007-2016; doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.2007-2016

Seroepidemiological study of the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii among horses in Algeria and analysis of risk factors.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the in horses in different parts of Algeria and to determine risk factors for the infection. Methods: A total of 736 blood samples were collected from horses of various breeds, gender, coat colors, and ages. All horses came from various farms, racecourses, and equestrian centers. The seroprevalence was investigated by three different methods: Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) as reference method, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and latex agglutination test (LAT). Results: Out of the 736 sera, 178 (24.18%) were positive for IFAT, 133 (18.07%) for LAT, and 317 (43.07%) for ELISA. It was found that IFAT and LAT were in high agreement (Kappa 0.79), indicating that LAT and IFAT had similar capabilities in the detection of anti- antibodies from horse sera. Risk factors analysis based on IFAT results indicated that the habit of the animals was significant risk factors (p≤0.05) for infection. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in horses living on farms. Moreover, a higher seroprevalence was found in older animals compared to younger ones. Furthermore, the seroprevalence in females was significantly higher than that in males and gelding. Breed, coat color, and water sources are also important factors to influence the seroprevalence of . Conclusions: The results indicated that is present in horses throughout Algeria and thus represents a risk for both human and animal health. These results underline the need to increase the vigilance and the preventive measures against this disease not only to protect the horses but also to limit the spread of the parasite.
Copyright: © Ouslimani, et al.
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Publication Date: 2019-12-20 PubMed ID: 32095054PubMed Central: PMC6989325DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.2007-2016Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study investigated the prevalence of a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii in horses in Algeria and identified factors that increase the chances of infection. The study found that the parasite is widespread among the horse populations in Algeria and poses significant health risks to both humans and animals.

Study Methodology

  • A total of 736 blood samples were obtained from horses from various locations including farms, racecourses, and equestrian centers. The horses varied by breed, age, coat color, and gender.
  • The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the blood samples was tested using three methods: Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and latex agglutination test (LAT).
  • Several variables were assessed for their potential role in influencing the infection rate. These included the horse’s age, gender, breed, coat color, living conditions, and water source.

Findings of the Study

  • Of the tested sera, positive results were found in 24.18% with the IFAT method, 18.07% with the LAT method, and 43.07% with the ELISA method.
  • There was a high level of agreement between the IFAT and LAT methods, indicating both methods have comparable efficacy in detecting the antibodies in horse sera.
  • The risk factor analysis based on IFAT results revealed that the living conditions of the animals were significant in contributing to the infection. Horses living on farms showed a higher prevalence of infection.
  • A higher prevalence was also observed in older horses compared to younger ones.
  • Female horses were found to be more prone to the infection than males and geldings.
  • Other factors influencing the prevalence of infection were the horse’s breed, coat color and the water source they had access to.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The findings of the study demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in horse populations in Algeria and may pose a risk for human and animal health, suggesting the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures against the infection.
  • Identifying significant risk factors can inform and guide actions to control and reduce infection rates among horses, thereby protecting human health as well.

Cite This Article

APA
Ouslimani SF, Tennah S, Azzag N, Derdour SY, China B, Ghalmi F. (2019). Seroepidemiological study of the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii among horses in Algeria and analysis of risk factors. Vet World, 12(12), 2007-2016. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.2007-2016

Publication

Veterinary world
ISSN: 0972-8988
NlmUniqueID: 101504872
Country: India
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 12
Pages: 2007-2016

Researcher Affiliations

Ouslimani, Sabrine Fazia
  • Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria.
Tennah, Safia
  • Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria.
Azzag, Naouelle
  • Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria.
Derdour, Salima Yamina
  • Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria.
China, Bernard
  • Sciensano (Research Institute and The National Public Health Institute of Belgium), Juliette Wytsman street 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Ghalmi, Farida
  • Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Marzok M, Al-Jabr OA, Salem M, Alkashif K, Sayed-Ahmed M, Wakid MH, Kandeel M, Selim A. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Horses. Vet Sci 2023 Mar 22;10(3).
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  4. Razali K, Issad NA, Mebkhout F, Boudjellaba S, Khelef D. High seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in aborted ewes from Tebessa Province, Northeastern Algeria: A One Health perspective. Vet World 2025 Nov;18(11):3367-3377.
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