Serological Survey and Factors Associated withToxoplasma gondiiInfection in Domestic Goats in Myanmar

Abstract

Goat farming is important for the livelihood of millions of rural people because it contributes to food security and creation of assets. However, infection of goats withToxoplasma gondiicould be a source of parasite transmission to humans. The information onT. gondiiinfection of goat was not reported yet in Myanmar. A total of 119 goat serum samples were collected from three cities in the central region of Myanmar forT. gondiiantibody survey. With the occurrence value obtained in this first study, a second one, more complete, with larger number (162) of animals and properties, was carried out and the risk factors and prevalence were determined. In both studies the samples were analyzed by the LAT. Of these, 32 (11.4%) samples were showed to be positive. The infection was associated with the presence of cats at the farm (odds ratio [OR] = 4.66, 95% confidential interval [CI] = 1.03–21.06), farming with different animal species (sheep, cattle, and pigs) (OR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.57–11.94), and farming without good management practices (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.06–0.83). This is the firstT. gondiiprevalence study in goats in the country.