Molecular and Serological Survey for Toxoplasmosis in Cats from an urban populations in Egypt.

Cats (either house cat or stray cat) were the main species in the cycle of Toxoplasma gondii infection, regardless the proportion of excreting oocysts. Two hundred and forty cats; 84 stray cats and 156 household cats brought to the Animal Reproduction Research Institute (ARRI) Laboratory from different Governorates in Egypt in the period from January 2017 to July 2018. All fecal samples of cats were examined for oocysts of T. gondii and all serum samples were examined for T. gondii antibodies. The results of microscopic examination of fecal samples revealed the detection of T. gondii oocysts in (35.71%) of fecal samples in different governorates. The infection rate was (45.71%) in stray cats; highest positivity revealed in Menoufia Governorate (46.67%) and the lowest rate represented in Red sea (42.86%). On the other side, the lowest positive rate of fecal samples was (25.71%) in household cats; highest positivity in Menoufia Governorate (30%) and lowest rate in Red sea (12.5%). On Site Toxoplasma Rapid test; IgM were 34% the seropositivity infection 35 % in stray cats and 33.33% in household cats, indicating a recent infection. IgG were 54% the seropositivity 55% in stray cats and 53.33% in household cats respectively. Our results indicating that combination of microscopical and molecular methods improve diagnosis of toxoplasma infection in cat; and detect cats with active shedding of oocysts. Using of serological methods for detection of T. gondii and facilitates diagnosis by On Site Rapid Test protecting citizens against the T. gondii infection from infected cats. Finally, we concluded that the rapid and accurate diagnosis of toxoplasma infection in cat is the milestone for successful management and control of toxoplasmosis. The high prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in cats especially in stray cats represent a great source for public health and animal's infection due to huge contamination load by oocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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