Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using Sabin- Feldman dye test among equines in Isparta province, Turkey

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease widely spread among different animal species with an incidence of up to 90%. The presence of this agent among equine species has been reported to be about 46.3%. T.gondii infection in equids could favor the spreading of the infection as equine carcasses are used for animal diets in zoos, as well as dead equine carcasses left outside villages are eaten by stray dogs and cats. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii among equine species (horses, donkeys and mules) raised in Isparta province of Turkey by using Sabin Feldman Dye test which is a reference test widely used for detecting T. gondii antibodies in different animal species. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among equids in Isparta province, Turkey. Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 192 animals including horses (n=72), donkeys (n=88) and mules (n= 32) from January to December of 2016. Separated sera were tested for Anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT). Results: Out of 192 samples, 44 (22.9%) reacted positive. Sero-positivity was 27.8%, 27.8% and 25.0% in horses, donkeys, and mules, respectively with no statistical difference. According to age of animals, the seroprevalence was 14.3%, 32.8%, and 20.8% in age groups 0-5, 6-10 and over 11 years, respectively with a statistically significant difference. Sero-positivity in male animals was 19.44% and in females 25.0%, with no statistical difference. Conclusion: The prevalence of exposure to T. gondii was determined as 22.9% in equids in Isparta province.