Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Chickens and Ruminants: A Study From Kassena‐Nankana Districts, Ghana

TL;DR

This study found that chickens in Ghana's Kassena-Nankana districts are infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that poses public health risks.

Contribution

The study reports the first molecular detection of T. gondii in chickens from the Kassena-Nankana districts using PCR.

Findings

T. gondii was detected in 13.9% of chicken samples but not in cattle, sheep, or goats.

Free-range chickens had higher odds of infection, though not statistically significant.

Chickens from Namolo had significantly lower infection risk.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that poses serious threats to public health through contaminated animal products. The frequent interactions between inhabitants in the Kassena–Nankana districts and livestock increase the risk of zoonotic infections. However, there is limited information on the circulation of T. gondii within the districts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock species within the Kassena–Nankana districts using a PCR‐based diagnostic technique. Dry blood spots collected from February to December 2020 by convenience sampling were screened using PCR amplification of a 529 bp repetitive fragment specific to T. gondii. A total of 374 samples were collected from cattle (26.74%), chicken (26.20%), sheep (25.40%) and goats (21.66%). The overall prevalence of T. gondii was 13.9%, with all positives being from chicken samples. No infections were detected in the sampled cattle, sheep or goats. Free‐range chickens were more likely to be infected with T. gondii (odds ratios [OR] = 2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43–9.88, p = 0.38). Furthermore, it was observed that chicken from Namolo had a lower risk of infections (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.43, p = 0.006). To reduce the dangers to public health, frequent education, improved poultry management and continuous surveillance within the districts are advised.

• Chickens, especially free‐range chickens, play an essential role in the spread of T. gondii.

• To protect public health, there is a need for frequent education on the safe handling and proper cooking of poultry products.

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