SERO-PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN PIGS IN KAFANCHAN, KADUNA AND ZARIA TOWNS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.
SERO-PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN PIGS IN KAFANCHAN, KADUNA AND ZARIA TOWNS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.
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Date
2013-01
Authors
GIEGBEFUMWEN, Osaretin Alexander
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of toxoplasma infection in food animals and humans the world
over. The infection results in stillbirths, abortion and barrenness in animals and in man. The
study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in slaughtered and
farm pigs in Kafanchan, Kaduna and Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The level of awareness and
knowledge of pig farmers and the public about the disease were assessed. The risk factors
associated with T. gondii were also evaluated using questionnaire. Serum samples were collected
in pig slaughterhouses in Kafanchan (200) and Kaduna (102) and in three farms in Zaria (70).
Information on sex and age were obtained from each location. Toxoplasmosis Indirect multispecies
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay commercial kit obtained from ID-Vet,
Montpelier, France were used to detect T. gondii specific IgG antibodies. The findings showed
an overall prevalence of 17.2% T. gondii in pigs from the three locations. The farm-based
seroprevalence was 20% and slaughterhouse-based seroprevalence was 16.6%. The age-based
seroprevalence was 25% in age group 0 – 5 months, 6 – 11 months 14.3% and lowest
seroprevalence was 0% in 12 months of age and above for sampled farm pigs, while the
slaughterhouse- based seroprevalence was 51.4%, 10% and 3.75% respectively. There was a
statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the seroprevalence for male was (15.4%) and
female (22.7%) for sampled farm pigs and male (9.0%) and female (20.8%) pigs in
slaughterhouses. However, there was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in both sexes
except for sexes of sampled farm pigs. The analyses of the questionnaire showed a low level of
awareness and knowledge (18.4%) about toxoplasmosis in the study area. There was an
association (p <0.0001) between the level of education and awareness and occupation and
awareness of toxoplasma infection. Cats were reportedly present on pig farm, mode of pork
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processing and consumption were seen as a major risk factor for toxoplasma infection in the
study area. This study has demonstrated the presence of T. gondii antibodies in pigs slaughtered
in Kafanchan, Kaduna metropolis and pig farms in Zaria. Farm and slaughterhouse workers,
Veterinarians, pig handlers and pig consumers are at the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection in
the study area. Intensified public awareness campaign on T. gondii in pig farming and consuming
public is indicated.
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Keywords
SERO-PREVALENCE, TOXOPLASMA, TOXOPLASMA, NIGERIA., PIGS, KAFANCHAN