Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in stray domestic cats (Felis catus) in a public wet market in Los Baños, Laguna

Date

6-2015

Degree

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Marco F. Reyes

Co-adviser

Marianne Leila S Flores

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite, in cats found within the vicinity of a public wet market. A total of 36 unvaccinated domestic shorthaired cats of either sex, and with varying ages, were used in the study. Direct fecalysis, hematology, and detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the commercially-available IgG dot assay ELISA test kit were done. It was observed that 33% (12/36) of the cats has serological evidence of infection with T. gondii. Of these, 41% (5/12) were males and 58% (12/36) were females. With regards to age, 75% (9/12) were adults while 25% (3/12) were juveniles. Upon fecalysis, no T. gondii oocysts were found however, Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp. parasitic ova were seen. Anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and eosinophilia were the hematological characteristics observed among the seropositive cats. The result of the study proves the exposure of these animals to Toxoplasma gondii and to other possible parasites that have zoonotic potential. It is therefore of utmost importance that control programs be implemented to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to other animals and to the general public who depend on these wet market for basic necessities.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2015 V4 C49

Document Type

Thesis

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