Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies of stray cats in Garmsar, Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The infection may be serious if is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. The infection in non-exposure mothers leads to abortion, congenital disorders and blindness. Infections of human are common and are usually asymptomatic but it is so dangerous in immunosuppressed and HIV positive patients. The Aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats of Garmsar. From December 2007 to August 2008, blood samples of 107 stray cats were collected and analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibody using ELISA method (Toxoplasma IgG antibodies kit, Trinity Biotech Co., USA). Results: 32 samples were male and 75 were female. 64.48 % (69 samples) were positive and 35.51 % (38 samples) were negative. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female. The seropositivity rate of T. gondii increased with age (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between various regions of the city. The results of recent study showed the high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Garmsar rather than other countries. According to high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats, Performing a screening test and determination IgG antibodies titer in high risk population (young girls, pregnant women) is recommended.