Serological survey of cattle toxoplasmosis in Medea, Algeria.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease transmitted to humans and warm-blooded animals by a ubiquitous parasite Toxoplasma gondii. One of the most common sources of human infection is the ingestion of tissue cysts through raw or undercooked meat. The present study was conducted to investigate a serological survey of Toxoplasma antibodies in cattle from Medea (North of Algeria). Serum samples were obtained from 295 clinically healthy cattle (261 females and 34 males). All cattle sera were tested for antibodies to T. gondii using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). According to MAT results, and taking 1:25 as the cut-off value, antibodies were found in 13 (4.4%) of 295 bovine sera. Five cattle had an antibody titer of 1:25; 6 of 1:50 and 2 of 1:100. More serological surveys are necessary to better understand the epidemiological status of toxoplasmosis in cattle and other ruminants.