Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii infection in long-term monitoring of domestic cats (8-15 years) in three populations living in rural France. Overall seroprevalence was 52.7% (modified agglutination test > or =1:40). Incidence was 0.26-0.39 seroconversions/cat per year, and the estimated rate of soil contamination by T. gondii oocysts ranged between 31 and 3600 oocysts/m2 per year, depending on the population. Incidence risk in cats was related to mean precipitation, explaining both the spatial and temporal variability in risk: local conditions explained differences between the three study sites and incidence risk increased during rainy years. This study brings rare quantitative information on the level of contamination of the environment by T. gondii oocysts, and suggests that the spatio-temporal distribution of incidence risk in cats may reflect both the influence of rain on prey populations and infectivity of T. gondii oocysts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
