Indian Journal of Animal Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 7

Seroprevalence of Sheep Toxoplasmosis in North-eastern of Algeria and Determination of Potential Risk Factors

  • Author:
  • Bouasla Ilyes1,*, Titi Amal1, Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami2, Mekroud Abdeslam1, Ouchene Nassim2, Benakhla Ahmed3
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 1272 to 1277

1PADESCA Laboratory Research, Institute of Veterinary Sciences Khroub (ISVK), Mentouri Brothers University, Constantine 1, Constantine25000, Algeria.

2Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Saad Dahlab of Blida1, Street Soumaa, BP270, 09000, Blida, Algeria.

3Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of ElTarf, 36000, ElTarf, Algeria.

*Corresponding Author: Bouasla Ilyes, PADESCA Laboratory Research, Institute of Veterinary Sciences Khroub (ISVK), Mentouri Brothers University, Constantine 1, Constantine25000, Algeria. Email: bouasla.ilyes.veto@gmail.com

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular protozoan capable of infecting humans and several animal species. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence in sheep in five regions located in north-eastern of Algeria and determine potential risk factors for the disease. The estimation of seroprevalence and the determination of risk factors make it possible to apply strategies to reduce the rate of infestation on sheep farms.

The study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2023. The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in blood plasma from 368 animals, both sexes. Moreover, to identify the potential risk factors for T. gondii infection, a survey through breeders’ questionnaires was conducted. Breeders’ questionnaires were also used in a survey to find possible risk factors for T. gondii infection. For statistical analysis, the Khi2 and ANOVA tests were used with multiple range tests (multiple range).

The true individual seroprevalence was 37.7%. The seroprevalence at the herd level was 94.44% (95% CI). Gender (femelle) and age (> 5 years) were identified as risk factors, also the presence of cats, rats and birds (p= 0.0001). Other risk factors were significant statistically: Herd size (less than 20 p= 0.001), type of food (pasture and concentrate p= 0.01), source of water (River p= 0.01), season (winter p= 0.01).

Keywords

Elisa, North-eastern of Algéria, Risks factors, Seroprevalence, Sheep toxoplasmosis