Investigation of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats of the Ankara region of Turkey Using the Sabin-Feldman dye test and an indirect fluorescent antibody test

J Parasitol. 2008 Aug;94(4):817-20. doi: 10.1645/GE-1401.1.

Abstract

Blood samples from 99 cats from the Ankara province of Turkey were examined for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody with the use of both the Sabin-Feldman dye test (DT) and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Forty of the 99 sera (40.3%) were positive for antibodies against T. gondii with the DT, whereas the IFAT assay detected antibodies in 34 (34.3%). The study also evaluated 3 factors for their potential association with the presence of T. gondii antibody: age (<1 yr, 1-2 yr, and >2 yr), gender (female vs. male), and outdoor access (stray, owned with outdoor access, or indoor only). The DT detected antibodies in 3 cats under 1 yr of age, 22 cats between 1 and 2 yr, and 15 cats older than 2 yr, whereas the IFAT found 1, 18, and 15 cats positive for antibodies, respectively, in each of these categories. Of 61 female cats, 27 (44.2%) were positive by the DT; and of 38 male cats, 13 (34%) were positive by the DT. For the IFAT, 24 female cats (39.3%) and 10 male cats (26.3%) were positive. The percent seropositivity in indoor cats was 30.8% by the DT and 23.1% by the IFAT. In stray cats, the percent seropositivity was 52.8% by the DT and 41.7% by the IFAT. Antibody presence was significantly associated with age, but not with outdoor access.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology
  • Cat Diseases / transmission
  • Cats
  • Dye Dilution Technique
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / transmission
  • Turkey / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan