Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Free-Range Chickens in Senegal, West Africa

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered chickens in Tripoli, Lebanon

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that has a wide range of intermediate hosts. It infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans and birds. The latter typically pick up the infection by ground feeding, and people can contract the parasite from eating undercooked chicken meat. In recent years, investigations into T. gondii infection in poultry have been reported worldwide. However, there is no epidemiological data regarding the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in chicken in Lebanon. Thus, the current investigation was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in chicken destined for human consumption in the Tripoli district of Lebanon. For this, a cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2021 and February 2022. Blood samples were collected from 400 chickens in four poultry abattoirs in Tripoli. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to test sera for T. gondii antibodies. The association of T. gondii seroprevalence with potential risk factors was assessed using the Chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was used to confirm the association. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies reported in this study was 13% (52/400); it was higher in the free-range chicken group (19.3%, 29/150) than in the caged group (9.2%, 23/250) (OR = 2.365; 95% CI: 1.311-4.267) (P = 0.004). The wet season and the presence of cats in the poultry farms were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity to T. gondii infection (P ≤ 0.0001). Given the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in slaughtered chicken in this area, the consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meats may pose a serious threat to public health and highlight the need to implement appropriate precautionary strategies to halt the spread of T. gondii to humans.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in different types of poultry in Greece, associated risk factors and co-existence with Eimeria spp

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens' tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. infections was assessed to elucidate epidemiological links between these two protozoan infections. Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 9.5%. Of the backyard chickens sampled, 41.2% were seropositive and 70% of the organic and free-range layer farms had at least one T. gondii seropositive hen. No serologically positive broilers were found, although mc-PCR revealed a positive sample, highlighting the importance of accurate early-infection direct detection of T. gondii infections to ensure public health. T. gondii isolates obtained by mouse bioassay were genotyped. All belonged to type II (ToxoDB#3) as confirmed also by microsatellite typing. Production system, type of nutrition, and feeding system automation were identified as the most significant risk factors, while no association was found between the presence of cats and T. gondii seropositivity as calculated on both a farm level and per individual bird sampled.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant mother in Makassar, Indonesia

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect one-third of the world’s population. Infection in pregnant women can cause severe conditions for their babies. Until now, there is no data regarding Toxoplasma infection from Makassar pregnant mothers. This study aims to obtain information on Toxoplasma specific antibodies and to measure the risk factor associate with parasite infection. This cross-sectional study conducted in 9 of 47 primary health centres (Puskesmas) in Makassar. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected from 184 pregnant women aged 15–42 years old from September to October 2020. ELISA technique was used to examine the IgG and IgM antibodies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to measure factors that independently associate with Toxoplasma antibody positivity. Our result showed the range of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG are 0.06–1.01 and 0.09–3.01, respectively. While no one of our participants has an acute Toxoplasma gondii infection (IgM positive), we found 32,6% pregnant mothers are exposed to parasite (positive IgG). Contact with cats [OR(95%CI): 10.45(3.77–28.99)], consume chicken satay [OR(95%CI): 9.72(3.71–25.48)] and consume un-boiled water/ filtered water [OR(95%CI): 5.98(1.77–20.23)] are independently associate with positive Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Based on the result, we conclude that pregnant women in Makassar are exposed to T. gondii and the oocyst and tissue cyst of parasite contaminates food and water in Makassar.

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in Free-Range Chickens Intended for Human Consumption in China

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution that infects birds and mammals, including humans. The consumption of free-range chicken meat is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, little information is available concerning the molecular prevalence and genotypes of T. gondii infection in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in China. In this study, a total of 1360 serum samples were collected from food markets in Hunan province of China for detecting T. gondii antibodies by indirect hemagglutination assay. In addition, 650 brain tissues were also collected to investigate T. gondii DNA by amplification of B1 gene with a seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the positive DNA samples were typed at 10 genetic markers using multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 457 of the examined serum samples (33.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.1-36.1), and 72 DNA samples (11.1%; 95% CI: 8.6-13.4) were positive for the T. gondii B1 gene. In this study, region and age of free-range chickens were shown to be risk factors for T. gondii infection (p < 0.01). Two genotypes (ToxoDB#9 and ToxoDB#52) were identified from two samples with complete genotyping results. Our study revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in Hunan province, suggesting that recommendations to consumers should be made, especially in some regions of China where consumption of undercooked chicken meat is common. This is the first genetic characterization of T. gondii in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in Hunan province, China, and also the first report of genotype ToxoDB#52 in China.

Review of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment in Poultry Meat: The Central Position of Consumer Behavior

Food of animal origin, especially meat products, represent the main vehicle of foodborne pathogens and so are implicated in foodborne outbreaks. Poultry meat is a widely consumed food in various forms, but it is also a reservoir of thermotolerant Campylobacter and Salmonella bacterial species. To assess human health risks associated with pathogenic bacteria in poultry meat, the use of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) has increased over the years as it is recognized to address complex food safety issues and is recommended by health authorities. The present project reviewed poultry meat QMRA, identified key steps of the farm-to-fork chain with significant impacts on food safety, highlighted current knowledge gaps, and provided risk mitigation advices. A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-based systematic analysis was carried out and enabled the collection of 4056 studies including 42 QMRA kept for analysis after screening. The latter emphasized Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. contaminations during the consumer stage as the main concern. The role of consumer handling on cross-contamination and undercooking events were of major concern. Thus, proper hygiene and safety practices by consumers have been suggested as the main intervention and would need to be followed with regular surveys to assess behavior changes and reduce knowledge gaps.

A Seroepidemiological Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydia Infection in Chickens, Ducks, and Geese in Jilin Province, Northeastern China

Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydia are common protozoan pathogens, which can pose health risks to people around the world and cause considerable economic losses. Although information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Chlamydia in chickens can be found in China, knowledge on the infection of these two diseases in rural chickens, ducks, and geese is limited. Therefore, blood samples from 377 chickens, 268 ducks, and 379 geese were taken from rural areas in seven cities in northeastern China, and their seropositivity was analyzed by the indirect hemagglutination antibody (IHA) test with a cutoff titer of 1:64. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii and Chlamydia was 10.6% and 21.0%, respectively. Moreover, the free-range poultry (20.75% and 30.55%) have significantly higher seroprevalences than caged poultry (5.47% and 15.66%) (p < 0.001). Moreover, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in older and younger poultry was found to be 5.48% and 12.89%, and those in Chlamydia were 23.53% and 15.16%, respectively. There were significant differences between different ages (p < 0.05). But regarding the prevalence of both, it is not clear in this way which one is the prevalence for younger and older for each specific pathogen. Logistic regression analysis suggested that geography were considered as a risk factor for T. gondii infection in this study. Our study is the first report on the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Chlamydia in poultry in rural areas of Jilin Province, China. These data reflect that T. gondii and Chlamydia are widespread in poultry in northeastern China, leading to a risk of infection in human health. Therefore, the prevention and control of Toxoplasma and Chlamydia infection in poultry, other animals, and humans should be strengthened.

Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in chickens (Gallus domesticus): the past decade

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Domestic free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) are excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Chickens can be easily infected with T. gondii; however, clinical toxoplasmosis is rare in these hosts. Chickens are comparatively inexpensive and thus are good sentinel animals for T. gondii infections on the farms. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, the persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from chickens worldwide for the past decade. Data on phenotypic and molecular characteristics of 794 viable T. gondii strains from chickens are discussed, including new data on T. gondii isolates from chickens in Brazil. This paper will be of interest to biologists, epidemiologists, veterinarians and parasitologists.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard chickens (Gallus domesticus): Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Northwest Ethiopia

Limited data is accessible about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard (free-range) chickens in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2018 to April 2019 to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Serum samples were collected from 384 backyard chickens. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were assayed using Toxo-Latex slide agglutination test. Seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies was confirmed in 72.4% of 384 birds. Altitude, presence of cat and dog around the house, age, breed and water source were considered as potential risk factors (p < .05) associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity in this study. But, sex was not identified as a predictor for Toxoplasma infection even though higher seroprevalence was observed in females (73.7%) than males (69.3%). In conclusion, this study indicates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, further works on epidemiology, bioassay, isolation and genetic characterization of the pathogen are imperative. It also warrants an action to prevent and control T. gondii infection in backyard chickens that could serve as an important intermediate host and pose a potential threat for consumers.