Seroprevalence and risk assessment of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats in North and Beqaa governorates of Lebanon

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that affects both humans and animals, leading to abortions and significant clinical manifestations in pregnant and immunocompromised hosts, in addition to massive economic losses in animal industries. Data from Lebanon are scarce regarding the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Lebanon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2020 to April 2021. Blood samples from 150 sheep and 145 goats (total 295) destined for human consumption were obtained from 20 Lebanese farms located in the North and Beqaa governorates. The anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies were assayed through means of a modified agglutination test with a cutoff titer of 20. RESULTS: An overall seroprevalence of 48.5% (143/295) was reported: About 56.6% seroprevalence was found in sheep (85/150) and 40% (58/145) in goats. Adult age, female gender, and the wet season were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity rate of T. gondii infection (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results confirm the spread of T. gondii in sheep and goats destined for human consumption in various geographical regions in Lebanon. Therefore, continuous monitoring of T. gondii infection in livestock is warranted to control the spread of the infection and limit its potential transmission to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.