Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs in Egypt

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is found all over the world and has significant importance in veterinary medicine and public health. Felids are considered a final host for the parasite and play an important role in the spreading of infection via contamination of the environment by oocysts. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and analyze risk factors associated with the infections in dogs. A total of 430 blood samples were collected from dogs from three governorates situated in northern Egypt and analyzed using commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in dogs was 24%, and the Kafr ElSheikh governorate had the highest rate of seroprevalence at 29.3%. In addition, the seropositivity of T. gondii was higher in females (27.1%, 95 % CI: 22.28-32.42), dogs more 5 years age (32.6%, 95 % CI: 25.26-40.88), German Shepherd breed (31.5%, 95 % CI: 25.09-38.61), and in presence of rodents (31.5%, 95 % CI: 24.18-39.96). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that the sex, age, breed, and presence of rodents were potential risk factors for T. gondii infections in dogs. This study shows that T. gondii is a relevant parasite in Egypt, and more epidemiological surveys are needed to decrease the risk of human infection.