[Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in chicken of the Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco].

INTRODUCTION

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of animal species, including humans and livestock. Contamination can have significant health, economic and epidemiological consequences. Birds in general, and poultry in particular, appear to play an important role in the epidemiology and circulation of the parasite. The aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, the seroprevalence of T.gondii in chicken in the Marrakech-Safi region.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sera were collected between January 2019 and March 2020 from 486 chickens from three types of farming: 122 traditional (domestic) chickens, 109 free-range chickens, and 255 commercial (battery) chickens intended for consumption in the Marrakech-Safi region. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) testing was performed by ELISA using a total T. gondii antigen.

RESULTS

The mean seroprevalence of T.gondii in chicken in the study region was 30.65%. This study also showed a significant association (p<0.0001) between seroprevalence and type of farming: domestic chickens had a higher seroprevalence than free-range and commercial chickens.The high seropositivity in chicken could be explained by the widespread presence of T. gondii oocysts and/or cysts in their environment and diet.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of undercooked or uncooked poultry products may be a source of potential contamination for humans and carnivores, including cats.