RESEARCH ARTICLE Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sheep from Libya

Manuscript History: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide contagious disease of humans and other warm-blooded animals including birds caused by coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This survey was carried out to show the prevalence of antibodies of T. gondiiin sheep by latex agglutination test (LAT) in different geographical areas in Libya (western area, central area, eastern area, and southern area). The results of this survey are showed that the overall seroprevalence of antibody of Toxoplasma is 71%. There was significant differences in infection to Toxoplasma gondii in the age group of sheep (P = 0.00). The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibody in sheep in the 1 years old sheep. The results showed that there was a significant relation between the seropositivity and presence of abortion in sheep (P = 0.000). Also a significant differences was observed between rate of infection and management system (Extensive and Intensive) of sheep (P =0.022). In total the results of this study together with the previously recorded show high seroprevalence in sheep in Libya and other countries support the impression that Toxoplasmosis is widespread cause for abortion and a latent infection in sheep. Furthermore sheep are suitable host for Toxoplasma gondii.