Sero-Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Kassala State –Eastern Sudan: A Comparison of Indirect ELISA and Latex Agglutination Test

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, and to evaluate the diagnostic agreement between the latex agglutination test (LAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). A total of 322 camel serum samples were collected from different localities in Kassala State (Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern Kassala) and initially screened using LAT, after which LAT-positive samples were subjected to confirmatory testing by iELISA. The association between seropositivity and selected risk factors, including age, sex, breeds, migration history, owner awareness and geographical variations, was statistically assessed. LAT screening identified 129 seropositive camels, corresponding to an apparent   seroprevalence of 40.1%. Sex-specific analysis revealed seropositivity rates of 36.0% in males (89/247) and 53.3% in females (40/75), with females exhibiting a significantly higher odds of infection (P = 0.007). Confirmatory testing using iELISA detected T. gondii antibodies in 37 camels, representing 28.7% of the LAT-positive samples and an overall confirmed seroprevalence of 11.5%. The results demonstrate substantial exposure of camels to T. gondii in Kassala State, indicating endemic transmission within the study area. The marked discrepancy between LAT and iELISA outcomes underscores the necessity of confirmatory serological assays to improve diagnostic accuracy in epidemiological surveillance. These findings highlight the potential role of camels as reservoirs of zoonotic toxoplasmosis and emphasize the need for integrated control strategies within a One Health framework.