Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs from South Benin and assessment of breeders’ knowledge about toxoplasmosis

Tonouhewa, A. B. N., Y. Akpo, P. Sessou, C. Salanon, G. L. Aplogan, M. N. Assogba, I. A. K. Youssao & S. Farougou, 2020. Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs from south Benin and assessment of breeders’ knowledge about toxoplasmosis. Bulg. J. Vet. Med., 23, No 2, 248-256. Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a cosmopolitan zoonosis responsible for abortion and congenital malformation in animals and humans. Pigs can be a reservoir for T. gondii and act as one of the sources for parasite transmission to humans. Currently, there are no data about T. gondii infection in any animal in Benin. After the report of several cases of abortions and reproductive problems in pigs in several livestock farms in the southern region of Benin, this study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of this zoonotic parasite in pigs. A total of 184 pig serum samples have been collected in two municipalities and sent to the laboratory for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies by ELISA indirect method. The results showed the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG in 23% (IC95 = 22.56–23.44) of pigs (42/184). Age, sex, and race did not seem to affect the frequency of this infection. Moreover, reproductive failure has been reported on many farms. These were cases of stillbirths in 40% of farms followed by neonatal mortality (36%) and abortion cases which were frequently observed in 27% of farms. T. gondii is present in pigs from south Benin and could be responsible for reported abortions in the areas. In addition, the raw and undercook meat of pigs could be important source of Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans from south Benin.