Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Cats in Espirito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite found worldwide. It can infect all warm-blooded animals and an estimated 30% of the human population carries the parasite. Cats are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts and humans become infected by ingesting tissue cysts from undercooked meat, consuming food or drink contaminated with oocysts, or by accidentally ingesting oocysts in the environment. Some outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis in humans have been associated with oocyst contamination. Cats probably play a major role in transmitting T. gondii through faecal contamination of soil, food or water because they can excrete millions of oocysts in a short period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in the regions of Vitoria, in state of Espirito Santo (ES), Brazil. Methods Serum samples from 79 cats from Zoonosis Control Centers and temporary shelters were evaluated, as well as epidemiological data on origin, sex, breed and age of each animal. Anti-T. gondii IgG immunoglobulins were analyzed by Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA) and Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFI). Results The serological prevalence in cats by ELISA was 15.2% (12/79) and 7.6% (6/79) by (IFI). Among the serum of cats, although there was agreement between the tests (k = 0.63), they were significantly different (P = 0.041). The results demonstrated high contamination of the environment by the parasite, suggesting a high risk of human and other animal infection by cat feces. Conclusions This is the first study to determine the frequency of anti-T. gondii and the risk of food contamination by cats feces in urban gardens in Espirito Santo state. Funding Sources CAPES and FAPES.