PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
previous page   Pak Vet J, 2001, 21(1): 31-35   next page
 
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.     

Key words: Serological survey, Toxoplasma gondii, dogs, cats, Latex agglutination test.

 
   

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



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