# Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep and Its Zoonotic Importance in Hargeisa, Somaliland

## TL;DR

This study found that toxoplasmosis is common in sheep and pregnant women in Hargeisa, Somaliland, and highlights the need for better hygiene and food safety to prevent infections.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in a specific region of Somaliland.

## Key findings

- Toxoplasmosis prevalence was 25.5% in sheep and 28% in pregnant women in Hargeisa.
- Risk factors for pregnant women include having cats, poor hygiene, and drinking tap water.
- Young female sheep were more likely to be seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii.

## Abstract

Toxoplasmosis has public health importance, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as pregnant women leading to congenital abnormalities and fetal losses. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep at Mandeeq Slaughter House in Hargeisa and pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hargeisa Group Hospital.

Cross‐sectional study design with systematic random sampling method and Questionnaire surveys were used for the collection of data from sheep and pregnant women. Sera were collected and examined for anti‐Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using latex agglutination test.

The overall prevalences of toxoplasmosis were 25.5% and 28% in sheep and human, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that female (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.38–3.47; p = 0.001) and young age groups of sheep (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.04–8.86; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. In pregnant women, age groups between 25 and 34 (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.07–7.14; p = 0.037), pregnant women who have cats in their home (AOR = 6.45; 95% CI: 2.37–17.52; p = 0.000), women who have close contact with garden soil (AOR = 6.74; 95% CI: 2.55–17.81; p = 0.000), poor hand washing practices before food eating (AOR = 29.5; 95% CI: 5.41–161.11; p = 0.000), and drinking tap water (AOR = 8.4; 95% CI: 2.54–28.08; p = 0.000) were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity.

Toxoplasmosis is prevalent in sheep and pregnant women in Hargeisa. We recommend that pregnant women should avoid eating uncooked mutton, reduce gardening activities, keep personal and environmental hygiene, and drink boiled water to reduce the risk of the toxoplasmosis.

• Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

• Contaminated tap water and poor personal hygiene could be a source of toxoplasmosis for pregnant women in Hargeisa.