Serological study of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle from western Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Hamedan province, Western Iran. A number of 1,406 serum samples were evaluated for IgG-antibodies against T. gondii in rural and industrial cattle in this region using ELISA. Thirty-two (2.3%) of the samples were seropositive. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between seroprevalence rates and the rat control in farms, cat contact with the herd, intensive system of breeding (P<0.05). The differences between the type of cattle, breeds, gender, age groups and abortion history were not statistically significant. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in cattle from Western Iran. Although the rate of infection is low, the results indicate that this infection may partly be responsible for transmission to humans and economic losses in cattle husbandry in this region. Further comprehensive studies for T. gondii in cattle and other hosts are highly recommended.