Open AccessSeroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria
Author(s) -
Ifeoma Nancy Nzelu,
B.D. Shingyu,
J. K. P. Kwaga
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sokoto journal of veterinary sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2315-6201
pISSN - 1595-093X
DOI - 10.4314/sokjvs.v19i3.10
Subject(s) - seroprevalence , toxoplasma gondii , toxoplasmosis , veterinary medicine , antibody , biology , epidemiology , virology , serology , medicine , immunology
Free-range chickens play a vital role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they feed on the ground, exposing them to infective oocysts shed by cats that contaminate the environment. The role of chickens in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Nigeria is understudied. Therefore, in the present study, we surveyed 222 free-range chickens slaughtered for human consumption in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Of the total birds sampled, 27.9% (62/222) were seropositive. Results showed no statistically significant association between seroprevalence and sex (p > 0.05). The study has demonstrated the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna, Nigeria, indicative of exposure of the sampled chickens to T. gondii oocysts. Proper cooking of poultry meat obtained from the study location is advocated to avoid exposure to T. gondii.