molecular prevalence of toxoplasma gondii in butchers and slaughtered cattle in middle euphrates, iraq

Background: toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by an apicomplexian protozoa, toxoplasma gondii; one of the potential sources of human zoonotic infection is meat handling and consumption.objectives: this study aims to determine the prevalence of t. gondii in the blood of butchers and slaughtered cattle by using the b1 gene and demonstrate the role of slaughtered cattle in transmitting toxoplasmosis to humans.methods: the study involved 100 blood samples collected randomly from butchers (male) and 100 from cattle before slaughtering from september 2022 to september 2023 and examined by real-time pcr technique.results: the results revealed total infection rates of 28% and 12% in butchers and cattle, respectively, with the highest rate recorded in butchers aged 18-30 years old and the lowest at age >40 years. while in cattle, the highest rate is seen at age (2-4 years) and the lowest at age (1-2 years) without significant differences. calves reported a higher infection rate (14.28%) compared with cows (8.10%), with a significant difference (p>0.05).conclusion: cattle are an important source of zoonotic transmission of t. gondii infection to humans by handling meat and consuming raw or uncooked meat. we recommended a control program by awareness of butchers during meat handling, avoiding consuming raw or uncooked meat, and appropriate heat treatments for beef.