Prevalence of toxoplasmosis in felines

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is the major zoonotic disease involving all warm blooded animals. Oocyst shedding is mainly seen in cats being a definitive hosts. The present study was aimed to find out the copro-prevalence and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis. Total 106 fecal samples from clinically suspected cases and apparently healthy cats were screened. The overall copro-prevalence of toxoplasma gondii in cats was found to be 2.83% (3/106). The prevalence was 4.91% (3/61) in animal shelters (Stray Cats) and 0% (0/45) in House hold cats (Pets). The overall sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis by rapid test (PetX Toxo Ab) was 31.37% (16/51) with increased seropositivity in 33.33% (9/27) stray cats than pet cats 16.66% (4/24). An increase in the seroprevalence was seen as age increases. The seropositivity was higher in females than in males. Oocyst was absent in fecal samples of cats which were positive for the presence of antibodies by rapid antibody detection test kit. Regular screening by copro-microscopy is an important tool to reduce zoonotic potential of the cats.