SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDJJ IN DOGS
AND CATS
Faiz Ahmad, Azhar Maqbool, Ashar Mahfooz and
Sikandar Hayat
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery,
University of
Agriculture,
Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Abstract
A serological survey for Toxoplasma gondii in
dogs (n=40) and cats (n= 10) was conducted by using a Latex agglutination test
(LAT). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in canines was 50%. Out of total
9 dogs were found seropositive at 1:256, giving an evidence of presence of
infection. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in canines was inversely related to
the age i.e., 52% at 6 months and 33.33% at 4 years of age. Little variation in
seropositivity was observed between males (57.89%) and females (42.85%) or
between exotic (46.15%) and local (57.14%) breeds. However, tremendous variation
in seropositivity was found between stray dogs (78.57%) and pet dogs (34.61 %)
and between dogs having close contact with cats (50%) and without contact
{16..\6%). Out of the tested bitches, 66.66% were seropositive, mostly at I: 16
indicating residual immunity. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats
was 60%, three at screening dilution of 1:256, suggesting recent exposure to
Toxoplasma. The seroprevalence of Tgondii in cats was directly related to age. A
significant difference in seropositivity was observed between stray cats
(66.66%) and indoor cats (57.14%) and between females (70%) and males (40%).The
seropositive rate in local breeds of cats was high (66.66%) as compared with
exotic (50%). This test might give false positive results due to interfering
factors (rheumatoid factor and IgG class antibodies). So it is not a "Gold
standard" test for the concrete diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.