Experimental feline toxoplasmosis.

Abstract

The route of inoculation as well as stage of inoculated organism in it's life cycle influenced the pathogenicity or infectivity of Toxoplasma in cats. All 6 cats administered orally with Toxoplasma cysts were infected without any clinical symptoms and excreted oocysts in the feces at the early stage of infection (5-12 days after administration). Of 3 cats administered orally with Toxoplasma oocysts, only one animal developed latent infection excreting oocysts in the feces at the end of 5th week after administration (38th, 40th day). On postmortem examination, none of infected animals showed abnormalities. Toxoplasma was recovered from the lung, striated musculatures and others. When cats were inoculated intraperitoneally with cysts, all of them developed fatal infection. Clinical signs were manifested by fever, anorexia, lethargy and dyspnea, which were similar to those of cats infected naturally. On postmortem examination, a large amount of fluid was found to have accumulated in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Cloudy swelling of the liver and inflammatory edem of the lung were also observed. The level of SGOT and SGPT values was elevated significantly. None of animals inoculated intraperitoneally with cysts excreted oocysts in their feces though Toxoplasma was recovered from all tissues and organs of them. Intramusculally inoculation of cortisone acetate did not affect on relapsing or oocyst reproduction.