Detection of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild animals from two zoological parks in Algiers, Algeria

Toxoplasmosis is the most frequent parasitic diseases in the world. It is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma (T.)gondii and can affect most warm-blooded animals. However, only felids are considered its definitive hosts. Eighty-six blood samples were collected from different animal species raised in captivity within two Zoological Parks in the Algiers urban area. Sera from eighteen birds and sixty-eight mammals were assayed for the presence of T. gondii antibodies by the ELISA test. The overall prevalence of T.gondii infection was 58.1% (47. 7- 68. 6). By ELISA, T. gondii antibodies were found in 38.9% (16. 4- 61. 4) of birds, in 75% (56- 94) of primates, in 75% (32. 6- 117. 4) of carnivores, and in 56.8% (42. 2- 71. 5) of herbivores. Moreover, all seropositive animals were apparently healthy. The results have shown a statistical link between mammary age and the presence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (Pvalue=0.0002), as well as a significant link between diet and the presence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in birds (Pvalue=0.0002).This contribution represents the first report of T.gondii seroprevalence in captive wild animals from Algiers zoological Parks. The obtained results indicate a widespread exposure of Algerian zoo animals to T. gondii .