Seroprevellance of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Chickens (Gallus domesticus), Pigeons (Columbia livia) and Turkeys (Meleagris galopavo) in Dongola, Northern Sudan

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevellance and possible risk factors associated with
toxoplasmosis in poultry in Northern State. A Toxoplasma gondii seroprevelance survey
during October 2016 –June 2017, was conducted in chickens, pigeons and turkeys in
Dongola, Northern, Sudan. The sera of 1490 (612 indigenous chickens, 415 exotic chickens,
351 pigeons and 112 turkeys) were examined using the modified agglutination test (MAT).
The obtained results revealed that antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected in a
rate of 18.1%, 11.1%, 14.9% and 12.5% in indigenous chickens, exotic chickens, pigeons
and turkeys respectively. A very high prevalence of the parasite was found in chickens
raised in free-range backyards. The soil contamination might be an effective indicator for
Toxoplasma gondii infection. Regarding sex, no significant difference between males
(14.0%) and females (15.5%) was found (P> 0.o5). This study showed that prevalence of
Toxoplasma gondii infection in poultry is high; represent a potential source of
toxoplasmosis for humans in particular in the study area. We concluded that, the results of
this study confirm the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in chickens, pigeons and turkeys in
Dongola locality, Northern Sudan