Detection of Goat and Human Toxoplasmosis Infection using Serological Methods: A Comparative Study

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease affecting all mammalian species.Given the scarcity of information regarding toxoplasmosis among goats and their handlers in the Abu Ghraib District of Baghdad, this study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and assess age-and sex-associated risk factors between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected IgG antibodies against T. gondii in 190 serum samples (100 goats and 90 handlers).Age and sex variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test (χ²) and logistic regression to assess potential risk factors.The overall seroprevalence was 55.79% (95% CI: 0.485-0.631).Goats showed a slightly higher prevalence at 56% (95% CI: 0.464-0.656)compared to handlers at 55.79% (95% CI: 0.485-0.631),with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05).Among goats, adults aged ≥2 years showed higher infection rates at 65% (95% CI: 0.462-0.838)compared to younger goats aged ≤1 year at 44.44% (95% CI: 0.256-0.632).Female goats demonstrated a positivity rate of 56.86% (95% CI: 0.454-0.722),while males showed 46.94% (95% CI: 0.388-0.674).However, these differences were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05).Among handlers, individuals aged 18-35 years had a seroprevalence of 52.94% (95% CI: 0.360-0.698),whereas those aged 36-50 years showed a higher rate of 58.97% (95% CI: 0.411-0.769).Female handlers exhibited a positivity rate of 48.88% (95% CI: 0.344-0.634),compared to 42.22% (95% CI: 0.280-0.564) in males.Age and sex differences in handlers were also not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Overall, the study highlights the impact of T. gondii infection on the health of both goats and their handlers, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene, cat management, and regular monitoring in reducing the prevalence of toxoplasmosis.