Genetic Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii by Serological and  Molecular Analyzes in Different Sheep and Goat Tissues in Northeastern Iran

Nima  Firouzeh; Hamid  Foroughi Borj; Naser  Ziaali; Amir  Tavakoli Kareshk; Mohammad  Ahmadinejad; Reza  Shafiei

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v18i2.13188

Nima Firouzeh Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, Iran
Hamid Foroughi Borj Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Naser Ziaali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Amir Tavakoli Kareshk Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Mohammad Ahmadinejad Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Reza Shafiei Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v18i2.13188

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii; Sheep; Goat; MAT; Genotyping; Iran

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by compilation protozoan agent Toxoplasma gondii, leading to significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. Overcooked or raw meat consumption has been a considerable transmission route. The present study was conducted to determine the seropositivity rate of T. gondii in sheep and goats by serological and molecular tests and genotyping of obtained isolates in northeast Iran.

Methods: Blood and tissue samples (diaphragm, heart) of 296 animals (including 168 sheep and 128 goats) were collected from the slaughterhouse in Quchan Country from august 2016 to April 2017. Modified agglutination test (MAT) and the PCR method performed to detect parasite DNA on tissues.PCR-RFLP method of GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. In addition, sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate the Toxoplasma type strains.

Results: Serum positive for MAT results were found in 27.4% of sheep and 23.4% of goats. Positive PCR of B1 gene results in diaphragm and heart tissues of sheep and goats was 47.8% and 26.1%, 40% and 23.3%, respectively. PCR of GRA6 gene results were positive in 10 samples that RFLP technique results using MseІ enzyme revealed genotype І. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed DNA of all samples was closely related to Toxoplasma type І.

Conclusion: Concerning the high seropositivity rate of toxoplasmosis, undertaking an appropriate preventive program for reducing the prevalence of T. gondii infection by raw or undercooked meat consumption of livestock is recommended. Our study supports the notion that these animals' consumption of raw and undercooked meat can be a probable source of human toxoplasmosis.