Authors : Al-Olayan Ebtesam, Al-Ajmi Fatmaa and El-Khadragy Manal
Abstract: Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important zoonotic diseases affecting both animals and humans. It is one of the most destructive factors affecting the reproductive potentials of animals being responsible for abortion, stillbirths, resulting in a great economic loss. In this study, blood samples were collected from 152 horses (99 female and 53 male). The age of the study groups ranged from 2 months and 20 years and during the period from October 2010 to April 2011. Collected samples were labeled and stored at -20°C until tested by the three serological tests for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The seroprevalence in the adult horses (>11 years old) 44.1%: 15 of 34 was significantly higher than those of young horses (1-10 years old) 13.4%: 13 of 97. Ended, seroprevalence in horses increased with age. Although, the female horses had a significantly higher seroprevalence (18.2%: 18 from 99) than the male (3.8%: 2 from 53). This study describes that high seroprevalence rates and highlights the risk of toxoplasmosis in horses due to environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts.
Al-Olayan Ebtesam, Al-Ajmi Fatmaa and El-Khadragy Manal, 2014. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Horses at Riyadh City. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 139-143.