Ocular Toxoplasmosis among Livestock Farmers and Raw Meat Handlers in Uyo, Nigeria

E. G. Abraham; A. E. Moses; U. S. Ekanem; O. O Motilewa; A. I Uwah; E. I Itina; A Umoh

Authors

E. G. Abraham Department of Ophthalmology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
A. E. Moses Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
U. S. Ekanem Department of Community Health University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
O. O Motilewa Department of Community Health University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
A. I Uwah Department of Ophthalmology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
E. I Itina Department of Ophthalmology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
A Umoh Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of infectious posterior uveitis in humans and can lead to low vision and blindness. ¹ Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii.² Serological studies estimate that 30-50% of the global population has been exposed to and may be chronically infected with T. gondii.³Most infections in Africa are acquired through improperly cooked contaminated meat, unwashed contaminated fruits, vegetables, meat chopping boards and unwashed contaminated hands, and by contact with infected cat droppings.⁴ The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgGvaries from 14% in USA to as high as 98% in southern Brazil.^5,6 In Nigeria, 28.7%seroprevalence of T. gondii infection has been reported in healthy adults and 37.8% to 54.2% among HIV-positive persons. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis and potential risk factors amongst livestock farmers and raw meat handlers in Uyo, Nigeria.

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