MSc
Thesis / Project Title
Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors for infection of sheep and goats in Kajiado County.
Thesis / Project Abstract
(Max 250 words)
Toxoplasma gondii has significant veterinary and public health importance. It causes toxoplasmosis, a neglected zoonotic disease in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats using serological and molecular methods and analyze risk factors for its occurrence and potential exposure factors for human infection.
This was a cross- sectional study conducted in five wards in Kajiado County where a structured questionnaire was administered to 130 pastoralists. Indirect ELISA was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in 1,464 serum samples while conventional PCR was used to detect presence of 420bp of mcrr-Toxoplasma gondiiDNA in blood of seropositive animals. Generalized linear modelling was used for risk factor analysis.
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was 9.0% in sheep and 12.5% in goats. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 89% of the seropositive animals. None of the studied risk factors for occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats was significant. The risk factors for human infection were failure to use gloves while handling aborted materials, consumption of raw blood, meat, and milk, and lack of knowledge on zoonotic diseases.
This study concluded that T. gondii is prevalent in sheep and goats in the study area.
The study recommended public health education to raise awareness on toxoplasmosis. Further investigations can determine the prevalence in other livestock, environmental contamination and the impact of toxoplasmosis on human and animal health.One-Health approach can promote research on toxoplasmosis andother neglected zoonotic diseases.
