Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii em gatos (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1758) residentes em Sam Carlos, Chile

Abstract

There are few studies about seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Chile therefore, this article aims to determine seroprevalence in cats in the district of San Carlos, by ELISA Immuno- Comb® serological technique, and, at the same time, to examine association with variables of sex, age, diet, and habitat. To the effect, 60 cats over 2 months old were randomly sampled. Sera were analyzed using the ELISA ImmunoComb® Biogal Toxo & Chlamydia test kit, which detects specific immunoglobulin G-type antibodies against <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 100%. The study evidenced that 29 individuals were positive (48.3% seroprevalence) when broken down by gender this corresponded to 9 males and 20 females (39.1% and 54%, respectively). By age, seropositivity was higher in the “Adult” group (76.7%), followed by groups “Over 7 years” (50%) and “Young” (25%). With respect to diet, higher seropositivity was obtained in animals fed on mixed diet, as opposed to commercial diet (60% vs. 47.2%). By variable habitat, 16 indoor and 13 outdoor cats were positive (45.7% and 52%), showing statistically significant difference only for the variable age (p < 0.05). Finally, through relating age with seropositivity, a negative correlation was evidenced (r = –0.3), indicating that older individuals had lower seroprevalence. The results show the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats.