Molecular Detection of Genetic Material of Toxoplasma gondii in Goat Blood Samples from Northern Thailand

TL;DR

This study found that 8.52% of goats in northern Thailand had Toxoplasma gondii DNA, highlighting the parasite's presence and potential zoonotic risk.

Contribution

This is the first report of T. gondii molecular detection in blood samples from small ruminants in Thailand using PCR.

Findings

8.52% of 176 goat blood samples tested positive for T. gondii DNA.

Positive samples showed high nucleotide sequence homology with the reference Tgdhfr-ts gene.

Phylogenetic analysis grouped the detected T. gondii strains into a single clade without genotype differentiation.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can be transmitted from animals to humans. Sheep and goats are particularly susceptible, resulting in economic losses for farmers. This study examined the presence of the parasite in goats in northern Thailand using an alternative DNA target in the PCR method. Of 176 goats tested, 8.52% were positive. These findings provide valuable insights into the disease’s transmission and support future control efforts.

Toxoplasmosis is a significant parasitic zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Among livestock animals, small ruminants, especially sheep and goats, are the most infected. This infection is a leading cause of abortion, resulting in considerable economic losses for goat breeders. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats in northern Thailand, with an emphasis on its potential zoonotic transmission to humans. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the T. gondii dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (Tgdhfr-ts) gene was employed for molecular detection. This represents the first report of T. gondii molecular detection in blood samples from small ruminants in Thailand by PCR. A total of 176 meat goat blood samples were analyzed, yielding an 8.52% (15/176) positivity rate for T. gondii DNA. The selected DNA sequences from the positive T. gondii DNA displayed a high degree of nucleotide sequence homology with the reference Tgdhfr-ts sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a single clade alongside other T. gondii strains, showing no differentiation based on genotype. This study contributes to the understanding of T. gondii epidemiology and provides a foundation for future strategies to control and manage T. gondii transmission in livestock populations.

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