An investigation into the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among indigenous, communally reared goats in the Mafikeng area of the North West Province of South Africa.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of nurses caring for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research design which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual was used, with a purposive and theoretical sample of nurses who provided care in a regional hospital in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Data saturation occurred after in-depth interviews with fifteen participants, field notes were also used during data collection. The findings revealed that nurses caring for PLWHA experience physical, emotional and psychological burden of caring, lack of social support by colleagues and managers and the need for education on HIV/AIDS care. Recommendations that are described focused on supporting nurses to cope in caring through provision of work-based support programmes. (Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S1):29-37) (05) (ISSN: 1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com . Abstract: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based study was conducted to determine the seroprevalance of the zoonotic infection Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous, communally reared goats around Mafikeng. Sera from 172 goats from 5 areas around Mafikeng in the North West Province were tested. The seroprevalence ranged between 11.1 and 14.8% (o= 6.4%). Sixty percent of the sampled areas tested positive, so were 50% of the herds. Only 25% of the farmers had prior knowledge of toxoplasmosis. Sixty three percent of the farmers consumed goat milk, while 87.5% slaughtered goats for own consumption. The prevalence of the infection among goats raises public health concerns due to the zoonotic nature of the parasite. Health officials are encouraged to review policies that involve human exposure to the parasite as well as mount awareness campaigns about the infection. (Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S1):38-41) (06) (ISSN: 1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com .