Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free range chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Khon Kaen province, Thailand
- Author:
Saichua, P.
;
Tantrawatpan, C.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2017;34(2):419-424
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the infective stage of Toxoplasma gondii and is often
acquired from contaminated food and water. Data on the prevalence of T. gondii in freerange
chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand, are limited.
A total of 257 serum samples were collected and antibodies to T. gondii were examined by
the latex agglutination test; 26 (10.1%) free-range chickens were positive. By logistic
regression, the seroprevalence rate was 3.8 fold higher in the rainy season compared to the
dry season (OR=3.81, 95% CI=1.39-10.47, P=0.006). The mean rainfall in the seropositive
group (3.48 ± 2.05 mm) was significantly higher (P=0.028) compared to the seronegative
group (2.42 ± 2.35 mm). The point biserial correlation coefficients showed a positive
association between seropositivity and mean rainfall (r=0.137, P=0.028) but no significant
associations for temperature or humidity. In conclusion, the presence of T. gondii infection in
free-range chickens in Khon Kaen province suggests environmental contamination. The wet
season and mean rainfall are significant associations with seroprevalence. The prevention of
faecal contamination from cats to the environment is a good strategy to reduce the risk of
infection in soil feeding animal such as chicken.
- Full text:P020170619321347471058.pdf
