Screening for antibodies against zoonotic infections among employees of the Tripoli Zoo in Libya.

BACKGROUND

Animal handlers in zoological settings are at an increased risk of zoonotic disease transmission due to close contact with animals, waste, and parasites. Research on occupational zoonotic infections in zoos, however, remains limited. This is particularly relevant in the context of the Tripoli Zoo, which has been closed since 2013 and is planned to reopen under new management.

AIM: This study investigated the seroprevalence of Echinococcus, Toxoplasma, and Rickettsia infections among zoo employees in Tripoli, Libya, in 2013.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 93 zoo employees and tested for IgG antibodies against the target pathogens using serological methods. Associations between seropositivity and various demographic and occupational factors were also examined.

RESULTS

In this study, 87.1% of the employees tested positive for at least one zoonotic pathogen IgG antibody, with Toxoplasma being the most prevalent. Several factors, including gender, age, marital status, occupational status, travel history, and animal husbandry practices, were associated with the prevalence of these infections. A significant proportion of participants exhibited multiple infections.

CONCLUSION

The high seroprevalence of zoonotic infections among zoo employees underscores the urgent need for implementing effective preventive measures to protect staff health and minimize the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, especially in light of the zoo's planned reopening.