# Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from Sohag, Egypt

## TL;DR

This study found a 7% infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in buffaloes in Sohag, Egypt, with higher rates in spring, highlighting public health and economic risks.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence in buffaloes in Sohag, Egypt, identifying seasonal risk factors and emphasizing their role as sentinel animals.

## Key findings

- The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in buffaloes was 7%.
- Spring season had the highest seropositivity at 10.7%.
- Buffaloes with a history of abortion or repeated breeding showed higher seropositivity.

## Abstract

Toxoplasmosis in buffaloes represents an important One Health concern due to its combined economic, environmental, and public health implications. Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, can induce severe clinical consequences in infected animals and humans. In Egypt, water buffaloes are used as a major source of milk and meat production. This study revealed the existence of T. gondii antibodies in 7% of the tested buffaloes from Sohag governorate, southern Egypt. We also found the season was a predisposing factor for seropositivity for T. gondii, as the highest seropositivity was recorded in spring (10.7%). T. gondii infection in buffaloes can pose a health risk to people—infections could be passed on by consuming raw milk or meat. This study presents novel and valuable information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Sohag, southern Egypt. These findings contribute to regional, data-driven surveillance efforts and underscore the value of buffaloes as sentinel animals for environmental contamination. Additionally, our study contributes to the regional surveillance of T. gondii as a zoonotic pathogen and minimizes its risks in the veterinary and public health sectors.

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent protozoan parasitic disease of livestock, among others, with significant zoonotic potential. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sohag governorate, Upper Egypt. In addition, several factors related to animals, management, and environment were analyzed to identify the risk factors for T. gondii infection. A cross-sectional epidemiological approach was employed, with samples collected from various locations across the region and tested using a commercially available indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Animal and environmental factors were evaluated to identify potential risk factors for the disease. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii among the tested buffaloes was 7% (24/342). Seasonal variations were observed, with the highest seropositivity recorded in spring (10.7%; 11/103), followed by autumn (8%; 2/25), summer (5.6%; 7/125), and winter (2.2%; 2/89). High seropositivity was detected in aborted females, at 19% (4/21), and in repeated breeders, at 10.5% (4/38), in relation to buffaloes showing anestrus (no positive cases), although the differences were not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that T. gondii is endemic in Sohag, with water buffaloes serving as sentinel animals for the disease. The spring season appears to be a risk factor for infection. Further studies are needed to assess the potential risk to humans, particularly regarding the consumption of raw or undercooked buffalo meat infected with T. gondii.