Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This study investigates the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in sheep from villages near Mara Rianta in the Mara North Conservancy, Kenya, using a One Health perspective. The investigation aimed to identify potential links between the parasite, livestock abortions, and environmental factors in a region where humans and animals live in close proximity.
In total, 40 sheep were tested using an IgG/IgM rapid test, with all samples yielding negative results for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. These findings contrast with previous research showing high seroprevalence (89.4%) in free-roaming cats in the same area, suggesting that cats are key hosts and disseminators of the parasite.
The study recorded high abortion rates among sheep, with a significant number of ewes becoming pregnant again after an abortion and successfully carrying to term. Various infectious agents, such as Campylobacter spp., Chlamydia spp., and Listeria spp., are known to cause abor-tion in sheep, but further research is needed to determine the specific cause in this region. The results highlight the importance of integrated veterinary and community-based efforts to manage zoonotic diseases, improve livestock health, and raise awareness of toxoplasmosis risks among the Maasai people.
Limitations, including the use of field-appropriate but less accurate diagnostic tests and a small sample size, underscore the need for further studies with robust diagnostic tools and larger datasets to confirm these findings and explore additional causative factors.
This study provides valuable insights into Toxoplasma gondii epidemiology and underscores the importance of One Health approaches in regions where human-animal-environment interac-tions are closely intertwined.