ELISA based seroprevalence and risk factors for three zoonotic parasites (Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus granulosus and Trichinella spiralis) in humans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Zoonotic parasitic infections can affect both animal and human health, while also having food safety and economic implications. These pathogens can also pose occupational risks for certain groups, including veterinary professionals, animal handlers, and butchers. This study was conducted in the district of Swabi located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of northwestern Pakistan. Serum samples from 187 males 15 years of age and older representing four different exposure groups were tested for the presence of specific antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus granulosus, and Trichinella spiralis antigen using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The exposure groups were no current animal ownership, livestock ownership, dogs and/or cats in the household, and the occupation groups butchers, and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Seropositivity for each parasite was evaluated by subgroup. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate possible associations between seropositivity, and potential categorical variables obtained through administration of a questionnaire. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 55 (29.4 %) of the 187 samples. In addition, 26.8 % (47/175) of individuals with available samples had antibodies to E. granulosus, and a single (0.5 %; 1/187) individual had antibodies to T. spiralis. One individual was seropositive for all three parasites and 9 individuals were seropositive for two parasites. The only significant factor was that Echinococcus seropositivity was associated with age group (p = 0.023) among butchers. The knowledge obtained through this study will be informative for the implementation of prevention and control strategies against these parasites at a local scale.