Seroprevalence and histological study of Toxoplasma gondii in chicken (Gallus domesticus) in Tikrit City, Iraq

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common zoonotic disease caused by unicellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can be infected the human and animals. Recently, in Iraq with increasing chicken meat consumption, may be as one of the sources of human infection, this study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in chicken, and demonstrated the histological effects of parasite in infected chicken in Tikrit city and its surroundings, Iraq. One hundred and thirty seven blood samples were collected from free Range chickens to detected toxoplasmosis by using Latex agglutination test (LAT) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Organs including brain and liver were also collected for histopathological examination. Results revealed that 32.1% and 29.2% of free ranging chickens positive by LAT and ELISA tests respectively. The results showed there were no significant differences P < 0.05 between infection with toxoplasmosis and age of the animals, and their habitat using both detection methods. Histopathological studies revealed necrosed areas and inflammatory cells in brain and liver.