Sero-Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Sheep in Some Parts of Isfahan Province

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection causing abortion in warm-blooded animals including sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection of sheep in some regions of Isfahan province. To do this, 320 serum samples were taken and investigated for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies using an indirect ELISA. Results showed that 73 out of 320 investigated samples (22.8 percent) had detectable titers of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. The samples were then divided into five groups according to the age of animals including 1-1.5, 1.5-2.5, 2.5-3.5, 3.5-4.5 and older than 4.5 years old. Sero-prevalence of infection was 16.66, 19.48, 22.07, 25.77 and 25.49 percent in each group, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no relationship between the age groups and seropositivity. The results of this study showed that rather than relatively high sero-prevalence of infection and possibility of abortion in sheep population, the infection may be the source of zoonotic hazard via undercooked meat products.