Anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii em gatos apreendidos pelo centro de controle de zoonoses de Lages, SC

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution. The domestic cat has an important role in epidemiology the disease to act as definitive host, eliminating oocysts that contaminate the environment. Serology in cats can be considered a reflection of environmental contamination. Aiming to determine the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and identify possible risk factors for infection in cats seized by the Center for Zoonosis Control of Lages, SC, 107 blood samples were collected and sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases CAV/UDESC. The presence of antibodies was performed by Immunofluorescence Assay Test (IFAT) using as antigen tachyzoites of the RH strain of the parasite. Reactive samples were considered positive at a dilution ≥1:64. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and χ 2 (P<0.05) to verify correlation between seropositivity and sex and age of animals. Of the total sample, 38 (35.5%) were positive for T. gondii. There was a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05) between age and seropositivity, with 79% (30/38) of positive presenting aged ≥13 months.