Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Pigs in Extensive Breeding from Saranda Municipalities of Albania

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs from extensive breeding of Saranda county in southern of Albania. Was collected 92 samples of pigs sera from 13 extensive farms at the time of slaughter in slaughterhouses. Collected blood was left to express serum and it was kept in a freezer until the time when samples were processed in the laboratory of Microbiology of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Tirana, Albania. Serum samples were examined by indirect ELISA method using ID Screen Multi-species kit (ID.VET., France) for anti-Toxoplasma specific Ig G antibodies, resulting from infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Samples sera presenting S/P value % less than or equal to 40% are considered negative, between 40-50% are considered doubtful, greater than or equal 50% are considered positive. Out of 92 samples collected from 13 farms, 16 sera had anti-Toxoplasma Ig G antibodies. Average prevalence was 17.4%.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, ELISA,    blood samples, antibodies, Saranda, etc