Serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats (Belém, Pará, Brazil)

Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. 2020 Jun 26;29(2):e022719. doi: 10.1590/s1984-29612020038. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

We evaluated the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum samples collected from domestic cats in Belém, Pará, Brazil. We also correlated the presence of T. gondii antibodies with environmental variables and cat-owner habits. Four-hundred and forty-seven serum samples from domestic cats were analyzed. The sera were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Among the animals analyzed, 21.92% (98/447) were seropositive. A statistically significant association was found in relation to age and serology among the animals over 1 year old (p<0.01): in the group up to 1 year old, 12.82% (20/156) of the animals were positive, and in the group over 1 year old, 26.80% (78/291) were positive. Our results show that the cats in Belém, Pará region have anti-T. gondii antibodies, and their owners are not aware of toxoplasmosis or how to prevent its transmission.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan* / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cat Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cat Diseases* / parasitology
  • Cats
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Toxoplasma*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal* / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan