Seroprevalence Survey of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies among Sheep in Tabriz District, Northwest Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis that affects both animals and humans worldwide. The aim of the present study was to compile initial epidemiological data on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Tabriz area (Northwest Iran) sheep. In a Cross-sectional study, 181 sheep blood samples from 17 different regions flocks were obtained with a sterile venoject from jugular vein. Samples were transferred to the laboratory and serums were separated. Sera were tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using Sabin Feldman Dye Test (SFDT).The seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in sheep was 56.8% (103 samples) with SFDT. From 103(56.8%) positive samples with SFDT, 61 samples had antibody titers of 1:16, 34 samples 1:64, 7 samples 1:256 and 1 sample 1:1024. The results of age analysis showed an almost two fold higher likelihood of infection in sheep more than one years old than the younger ones [P<0.001]. No significant differences in age were found in sheep. The results showed that Sabin Feldman Dye test is very good method for toxoplasmosis seroepidemiological studies.