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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica1990; 31(2); 219-222; doi: 10.1186/BF03547564

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cats, dogs and horses in Sweden.

Abstract: Samples of serum or plasma taken during 1986 and 1987 from 244 pet cats, 303 dogs and 219 horses, randomly selected among animals referred to the Animal Clinics of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. 42% of cats, 23% of dogs and 1% of horses examined were found seropositive. Serum eller plasma från 244 tamkatter, 303 hundar och 219 sporthästar som provtagits vid djur-klinikerna vid Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet i Uppsala under 1986 och 1987 testades med ELISA för antikroppar mot Prevalensen seropositiva djur befanns vara 42 %, 23 % och 1 %, respektive.
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Publication Date: 1990-01-01 PubMed ID: 2260515PubMed Central: PMC8133154DOI: 10.1186/BF03547564Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study conducted in Sweden examined the prevalence of antibodies to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in pet cats, dogs and horses using serum or plasma samples. The rates of seropositivity were found to be 42%, 23% and 1% respectively.

Objective of the Study

  • The research aimed to determine the percentage of pet cats, dogs, and horses in Sweden that have antibodies against the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This would help in understanding the extent of exposure and possible infection in these animals, which may have implications for both animal and public health.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used samples of serum or plasma collected in 1986 and 1987 from 244 pet cats, 303 dogs, and 219 horses. These animals were randomly chosen from those referred to the Animal Clinics of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
  • The technique used to detect the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the samples was the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a common laboratory test used for detecting specific proteins or antibodies.

Findings of the Study

  • The study’s primary findings were that 42% of the analyzed cat samples, 23% of the dog samples, and 1% of the horse samples showed antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. This indicates past infection or exposure to the parasite.
  • The considerably higher seropositivity rate in cats suggests that cats may be more susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection or more frequently exposed to sources of infection than dogs or horses. Cats are recognized as the primary hosts for this parasite, where it can complete its lifecycle.

Implications of the Study

  • The high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pets, particularly cats, suggests a significant risk of transmission to other animals and potentially humans. This poses important implications for public health, as Toxoplasma infection can cause severe disease in populations like pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals.
  • The study provides important baseline data for Sweden which can be used in future research or in developing prevention and control strategies against toxoplasmosis.

Cite This Article

APA
Uggla A, Mattson S, Juntti N. (1990). Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cats, dogs and horses in Sweden. Acta Vet Scand, 31(2), 219-222. https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547564

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 0044-605X
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
Pages: 219-222

Researcher Affiliations

Uggla, A
  • Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
Mattson, S
    Juntti, N

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
      • Cat Diseases / epidemiology
      • Cats
      • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
      • Dogs
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horses
      • Prevalence
      • Sweden / epidemiology
      • Toxoplasma / immunology
      • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 14 times.
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      3. Zarra-Nezhad F, Borujeni MP, Mosallanejad B, Hamidinejat H. A seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in referred dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran. Int J Vet Sci Med 2017 Dec;5(2):148-151.
        doi: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2017.08.006pubmed: 30255064google scholar: lookup
      4. Tavalla M, Sabaghan M, Abdizadeh R, Khademvatan S, Rafiei A, Razavi Piranshahi A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. Infections in Arab Horses, Southwest of Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015 Mar;8(3):e14939.
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