Toxoplasma gondii infection in native village chickens ( Gallus domesticus ) in Selangor and Melaka, Malaysia

摘要

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondiiwhich affects human and animals. Village chickens (Gallus domesticus) most commonlyknown as Ayam Kampung or free-range chickens, have been suggested to play a role in theepidemiology of toxoplasmosis. This study determines the presence of T. gondii in the villagechicken populations in two states of Malaysia. A total of 50 serum samples from the chickensfrom Selangor (n=20) and Melaka (n=30) were collected and analysed using commercialserological kits. T. gondii antigen was detected in 20% (Selangor 30%; Melaka 13%) samplesusing ELISA test and anti-T. gondii antibody was detected in all positive ELISA samples usingthe indirect haemagglutination test (IHAT). Histopathological examination revealed tissuechanges such as inflammation and degeneration in brain and liver of seropositive chickens.This is the first report of T. gondii infection in the village chickens in Malaysia.