Seroprevalence of anti-<i>toxoplasma gondii</i> antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Free-range chickens play a vital role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they feed on the ground, exposing them to infective oocysts shed by cats that contaminate the environment. The role of chickens in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Nigeria is understudied. Therefore, in the present study, we surveyed 222 free-range chickens slaughtered for human consumption in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Of the total birds sampled, 27.9% (62/222) were seropositive. Results showed no statistically significant association between seroprevalence and sex (p > 0.05). The study has demonstrated the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna, Nigeria, indicative of exposure of the sampled chickens to T. gondii oocysts. Proper cooking of poultry meat obtained from the study location is advocated to avoid exposure to T. gondii.