Authors: Qamar Warda, Alsayeqh Abdullah F
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Pakistan: Implications for Equine and Broader Animal Health Toxoplasma gondii represents a significant zoonotic threat across Pakistan, with this systematic review synthesising seroprevalence data from 2000–2022 across domestic livestock, companion animals, and humans to establish the epidemiological landscape and identify gaps in diagnostic practice. Among equines specifically, limited published data revealed concerning prevalence rates of 23.50% in horses and donkeys, rising to 28.60% in mules—suggesting these species warrant greater surveillance attention than they currently receive. Across the broader animal population, prevalence varied substantially by species (sheep 11.20–26.50%, goats 24.50–38.40%, cats 38.5%, dogs 28.43%), with humans showing the highest infection rates (22–60%), yet the vast majority of studies relied on serological testing rather than molecular diagnostics, potentially masking true infection patterns and complicating epidemiological interpretation. The findings underscore that livestock and companion animals function as significant T. gondii reservoirs with direct transmission pathways to human populations, making strategic control measures in non-equine species equally relevant to practitioners managing horses. For equine professionals, this review highlights the pressing need for improved diagnostic protocols—particularly molecular testing—alongside collaborative management strategies with veterinarians and nutritionists to reduce transmission risk, particularly in regions where seroprevalence data remains sparse.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Equine practitioners in Pakistan should be aware that horses, donkeys, and mules carry T. gondii at ~23.50% prevalence, posing zoonotic risk to handlers and owners
- •Implementation of molecular diagnostics rather than serology alone is recommended for accurate detection and control of T. gondii in equine populations
- •Management protocols should emphasize biosecurity and hygiene practices to reduce transmission risk, particularly in regions with high prevalence in cats and other reservoir species
Key Findings
- •Seroprevalence of T. gondii in Pakistan ranged from 11.20-26.50% in sheep and 24.50-38.40% in goats, with horses, donkeys, and mules showing 23.50-28.60% prevalence
- •Humans showed the highest prevalence of T. gondii infection (22-60%) among all species studied
- •Domestic animals and pets serve as reservoirs and direct transmission routes for T. gondii to humans
- •Serological testing dominated diagnostic approaches; molecular and advanced testing methods were underutilized despite greater reliability