Philippine E-Journals

SEROPREVALENCE OF Toxoplasma gondii ANTIBODIES IN Felis catus FROM A TERTIARY PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Pretextato G. Chua Iii | Marco F. Reyes | Marianne Leila A. Santiago-flores

 

Abstract:

The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite, in cats found within the vicinity of a tertiary pubic hospital. A total of 42 stray domestic short-haired cats of both sexes, six to 48 months of age were used in the study. The animals had no record of deworming and vaccination and no owners claimed the cats used in the study. Blood sera were tested for Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies using commercially available ELISA kit. It was observed that 42.86% (18/42) cats had serologic evidence of T. Gondii infection. Of these, 33.33% (6/18) were males and 66.67% (12/18) were females. With regards to age, 22.22% (4/18) were juveniles while 77.78% (14/18) were mature. Neutrophilia, eosinopenia and lymphocytosis were observed in all seropositive animals.