Seroepidemiological Survey of Toxoplasma gondii in Livestock Food Sources: Implications for Zoonotic Transmission in Al-Marj, Libya

Abstract

Humans and animals mainly become infected by ingesting raw or meat containing cysts with bradyzoites, as well as through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with sporulated oocysts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic infection of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in the Al-Marj area. A total of 457 samples were collected from four livestock areas surrounding the city (Farzogha 96, Al-awalia 92, Taknes 100, and Botraba 90) during the period from March 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024. The samples were examined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results revealed that 249 out of 457 examined animal samples were positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and/or IgM antibodies, with an overall seroprevalence of 54.49%. A statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between the two animal species, with a higher prevalence recorded in sheep (P = 0.038. Regarding age, the highest seroprevalence of T. gondii was observed in animals aged 1–3 years (51.40%). Furthermore, female animals show higher infection rates for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Additionally, the findings provide baseline epidemiological data that can support future research and guide policymakers in implementing effective measures to reduce the transmission of T. gondii in both animals and humans in the region.