SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN FREE-RANGE LOCAL BIRDS IN SUMEL DISTRICT, DUHOK PROVINCE, IRAQ

In the present study, Direct Latex Agglutination Test (DLAT), Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the immune responses to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among free-range local birds (chicken, turkey, geese and ducks) in Sumel District of Duhok province, Iraq. The data revealed the overall seropositive rates of 62.2%, 33.3% and 21.1% by DLAT, MAT and ELISA, respectively. Non-significant differences were found between the prevalence rates among the tested birds indicating that all birds' species to be susceptible for infection. The highest antibodies titers in response to T. gondii were found in chicken sera which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in ducks. The data indicated that free-range local birds could be considered as important sources of toxoplasmosis for the locals in Duhok area. Preventative measurements should be taken to contain the further prevalence of the disease among the locals, namely pregnant women.