Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasma gondii infection in goats from underreported Midland and lowland regions of Algeria.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting both humans and animals and is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In livestock, the infection leads to significant economic losses, mainly due to reproductive disorders such as abortion, and may cause severe clinical manifestations in pregnant and immunocompromised hosts. Despite its importance, updated epidemiological data on caprine toxoplasmosis in underreported regions of Algeria remain limited. Therefore, this study provides recent epidemiological insights from midland and lowland goat-rearing areas of the country. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and to identify associated risk factors in goats from Algeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2022 and February 2024. A total of 184 blood samples were collected from goats, including 155 females and 29 males, originating from Laghouat (n = 161) and Djelfa (n = 23) regions. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies using the ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect ELISA Multi-species kit. Of the 184 sera analyzed, 23 were positive, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 12.5%, while one sample was classified as doubtful. Statistical analysis revealed that seropositivity was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), breed (p = 0.007), production type (p = 0.005), feeding regime (p < 0.001), body condition score (p = 0.026), breeding system (p = 0.001), and region (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed with gender or cohabitation with other animal species. In conclusion, this study confirms the circulation of T. gondii among goats in Algeria, with a notable seroprevalence indicating ongoing transmission. These findings highlight the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance to better understand transmission dynamics and to support the implementation of effective control strategies aimed at reducing economic losses and potential public health risks.