Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats, Dogs and Ruminant Animals in Al-Ahsa Area in Saudi Arabia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle and camels in Al-Ahsa area, Saudi Arabia. Serum samples were collected from cats, dogs and slaughtered ruminant animals and analysed for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using ELIZA. The seroprevalence was 90, 20, 19, 10, 22, 12, 4 and 8% in stray and household cats, stray and household dogs, sheep, goats, cattle and camels, respectively. Significantly higher value of prevalence was seen in stray cats compared to other animals. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered animals indicates that toxoplasmosis in this area poses an occupational risk to workers in the slaughter house and that toxoplasmosis could be a veterinary public health that necessitates integrated control measures.