Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii and Toxocara Canis Antibodies among Owners of Dogs and Cats in Ekiti State Nigeria

Zoonoses are still a serious public health concern since the number of homeless animals, particularly dogs and cats, is increasing. As the causative agents of human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis, respectively, Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis are significant zoonotic agents from an epidemiological perspective. We have ascertained the seroprevalence of T. gondii and T. canis antibodies among dog and cat owners by a cross-sectional study. Between May and July of 2024, serum samples were taken from 185 owners in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA), the pet owners' sera were collected. The seroprevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies for T. gondii was 3.8% and 9.4%, respectively, in dogs, whereas the IgG antibody seroprevalence for T. canis was 7.5%. Additionally, our seroprevalence findings indicate that dog owners may be more susceptible to contracting T. gondii and T. canis infections, especially if they are female owners. Dog owners in Ekiti State, Nigeria, have significant levels of anti-T. gondii and anti-toxocara antibodies, suggesting a possible zoonotic risk. In order to mitigate the risk of T. gondii and T. canis environmental contamination, it is recommended that dogs and cats have appropriate deworming, be leashed, and have their waste cleaned up. These steps should aid in preventing the morbidity that these two different but extremely adaptable parasites produce in humans.