Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in chicken products in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a significant zoonotic parasite, given its relation with important world problems of food safety and public health. In this study, the rate of T. gondii infection in chicken products from private farms, rural slaughterhouses, and urban markets in the Nineveh Governorate was determined. This study aimed to determine the rate of T. gondii infection in chickens and its importance for public health. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in chicken samples was 30%, with the highest prevalence in meat (35 %), followed by liver (31 %) and gizzard (25 %). Serological examination revealed 40%, 30 %, and 27% positivity in urban markets, slaughterhouses, and backyard farms, respectively. Backyard farms demonstrated the highest risk, with an odds ratio of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5–2.2, p < 0.01). Another significant predictor of contamination was improper storage practices (B = 0.52, p < 0.01). The high prevalence of T. gondiiin chicken products from Nineveh Governorate indicates a significant risk of zoonotic transmission, especially to highly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Such calls for public health responses involve enhanced meat inspections, enhancement of farming with biosafety, and consumer awareness about proper cooking and handling to reduce contamination and avoid health hazards. Further research is needed to understand the geographical and seasonal variations in prevalence.