First Seroepidemiological Study of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) in Southern Tunisia

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presented by Afef Jeljli and colleagues reports a study performed in dromedaries reared in southern Tunisia, to estimate the seroprevalence of T gondii and to identify the associated risk factors The study is useful and well conducted. It is also well presented and the discussion is well documented. There are a few points to be reviewed in terms of spelling.

I have a comment to make about the rearing system. There is a discrepancy between what is said in the text and the results presented in table 2, where the OR indicated is in favour of a higher prevalence under intensive conditions. 

It would also be useful to know to what extent the animals were exposed to contamination risks once they were raised. How were they used? To what extent did they all have opportunities to become contaminated afterwards? This is not very clear. 

Furthermore, insofar as the authors mention the consumption of camel's milk, could they comment in a few words on the risk associated with this consumption?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

To be checked for spelling mistakes

Author Response

Please see the attachement

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

REVIEW

First seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) in Southern Tunisia.   The authors report a seroepidemiological study of T.gondii to estimate infection in dromedaries reared in S Tunisia, assess the prevalence of Tg, and identify the associated risk. The study is of high interest due to the possible transmission of the parasite to humans because of humans' traditional aspects and behaviour. It is a short paper and can be submitted as SC. Language issues. Please edit the paper and improve its quality.

An edited version of the Abstract

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common zoonotic parasites worldwide, with infections in humans as well as in all mammals, including dromedaries, that affect reproductive health, leading to malformations and abortions. In the current study, we estimated, for the first time in Tunisia, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies and their associated risk factors in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A total of 248 27 sera samples were collected from dromedaries living in Médenine and Tataouine governorates, South Tunisia. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was estimated to be 29.8±2.9% (74/248), with a significantly higher seroprevalence rate in dromedaries from Médenine (52.5 ± 7.9%; 21/40) and those in contact with cats (66.7 ± 8.6; 20/30). Others should follow the present study to explore the role of dromedaries in the epidemiological cycle of T. gondii in Suthern, Tunisia.  

M and M

Please provide all the protocol details

Please provide a map that can help with geographical orientation.

Pl use T. gondii once named.

Discussion

Pl refer to the limitation of the applied ELISA

References

Pl follow the journal's guidelines and adapt the refs. There are irregularities.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The information is excellent and essential for public health aspects.

Improvements are needed, and suggestions are offered.

Author Response

Please see the attachement

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf