Toxoplasma gondii serosurvey in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Golestan Province, North Iran

Abstract

One of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases is toxoplasmosis, which is caused by an obligated intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, with a high global dissemination. Some species of birds are susceptible to T. gondii infection. To indirectly survey on , T. gondii contamination of the rural and wild ecosystem of Golestan Province, presence of T. gondii antibody was examined in serum sample of 60 domestic rural ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and 40 long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) by MAT. Results: Out of 60 (33=male, 29=female) domestic ducks' serums, 38 (63.3%) samples (20 male and 18 female were diagnosed positive. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anti-T.gondii antibody in male (60.6%) and female (62%) ducks. Anti-T. gondii antibody frequency was detected in 77.5% (31 positive cases) of the sampled long-legged buzzard. Anti-T. gondii antibody frequency in long-legged buzzard was significantly higher than domestic ducks. Conclution: High T. gondii contamination of long-legged buzzard indicates a high risk of T. gondii infection in wild carnivorous species of Golestan Province. Although, high levels of T. gondii contamination of sampled domestic ducks, highlight the importance of villagers' knowledge growth about the important role of birds and cats in the life cycle of T. gondii.