Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in captive felids in Thailand

Vet Parasitol. 2006 Mar 31;136(3-4):351-5. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.12.009. Epub 2006 Jan 18.

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was investigated by commercial latex agglutination test kit (Toxocheck-MT 'Eiken') in captive felids maintained at zoos and a wildlife breeding center in different geographic regions of Thailand. Sera from a total of 136 captive felids of 12 species was obtained between 2002 and 2004. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in 21 of 136 (15.4%) felids. The titers varied from 1:64 (eight samples) to 1:8192 (one sample). The seroprevalence in different geographic regions were from 0% in the northern area to 23% in the southern area. This study suggested a widespread exposure of captive felids to T. gondii in Thailand and this is the first report of serologic analysis for T. gondii in captive felids in Southeast Asia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo / parasitology
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Felidae / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Latex Fixation Tests / methods
  • Latex Fixation Tests / veterinary
  • Male
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Thailand / epidemiology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan