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Canadian journal of comparative medicine : Revue canadienne de medecine comparee1978; 42(2); 177-183;

The prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Ontario mammals.

Abstract: The prevalence of seropositive reactions to Toxoplasma gondii was studied in farm animals, companion animals, wild rodents and birds. Of the animals tested, 17% of cattle, 65% of sheep, 45% of pigs, 9% of horses, 33% of dogs and 20% of cats were seropositive by the Sabin-Feldman dye test. In addition 11% of mice (Mus musculus), 5% of deer mice (Peromyscus), 3% of rats (Rattus norvegicus) and less than 2% of sparrows (Passer domestcus) were seropositive. All samples from short-tailed field mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus), squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tamias striatus), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were seronegative. The significance of these findings in relation to the epizootiology of toxoplasmosis in Ontario is discussed.
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Publication Date: 1978-04-01 PubMed ID: 667705PubMed Central: PMC1277612
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  • Journal Article

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 research paper studied the presence of antibodies against the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in various animals from Ontario, Canada. The investigation found varying percentages of seropositive reactions in farm animals, pets, wild rodents, and birds.

Introduction to the Study

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of antibodies against the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in farm animals, pets, and wild creatures in Ontario. The Sabin-Feldman dye test was used to identify seropositive individuals, indicating exposure to the parasite.

Detailed Findings

  • The survey revealed that out of all the animals evaluated, 17% of cattle, 65% of sheep, 45% of pigs, 9% of horses, 33% of dogs, and 20% of cats were seropositive.
  • In addition, the study found serological evidence of T. gondii in 11% of mice (Mus musculus), 5% of deer mice (Peromyscus), 3% of rats (Rattus norvegicus), and less than 2% of sparrows (Passer domestcus).
  • All samples from short-tailed field mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus), squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tamias striatus), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius), and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were found to be seronegative, meaning that they showed no signs of having been exposed to the parasite.

Interpretation and Significance

The researchers discussed the impact of their findings, particularly in relation to the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis – a disease caused by the T. gondii parasite – in the region of Ontario. The study provides useful insights for public health, particularly in understanding the spread and prevalence of toxoplasmosis among different animal species, which impacts human health. The high prevalence in certain animals emphasizes the need for preventive measures, particularly among farm animals and pets, which are in close contact with humans.

Cite This Article

APA
Tizard IR, Harmeson J, Lai CH. (1978). The prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Ontario mammals. Can J Comp Med, 42(2), 177-183.

Publication

Canadian journal of comparative medicine : Revue canadienne de medecine comparee
ISSN: 0008-4050
NlmUniqueID: 0151747
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 2
Pages: 177-183

Researcher Affiliations

Tizard, I R
    Harmeson, J
      Lai, C H

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Animals, Domestic / immunology
        • Animals, Wild / immunology
        • Antibodies / analysis
        • Birds / immunology
        • Cats
        • Cattle
        • Dogs
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Mammals / immunology
        • Ontario
        • Rats
        • Rodentia / immunology
        • Sheep
        • Swine
        • Toxoplasma / immunology
        • Toxoplasmosis / transmission
        • Zoonoses

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 8 times.
        1. Galeh TM, Sarvi S, Montazeri M, Moosazadeh M, Nakhaei M, Shariatzadeh SA, Daryani A. Global Status of Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Rodents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:461.
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