Toxoplasma gondii is a causative agent of toxoplasmosis and one of the threatening parasitic zoonosis worldwide. Cats are important reservoirs in the spread of T. gondii infection in animals and humans. Stray cats in Bangkok are becoming public concerns since theirs number are increasing and enhancing more chance to infect humans.

Objectives

Because oocysts of T. gondii are rarely found in feces of cats, serologic prevalence data in cats are important for the determination of epidemiologic significance of T. gondii infections.

Materials & Methods

Blood of 333 cats from 32 districts roamed around monastery and populated areas were collected. Sera were collected during October 2001 to September 2002 and analyzed antibodies to T. gondii by modified latex agglutination test (TOXOCHECK-MT 'Eiken').

Results

Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 36 (10.8%) of 333 cats. Antibody titer in stray cats was ranged from 1:16 to 1:2048 (cutoff, 1:64). Female cats (8.1%) have the higher prevalence than males (2.7%). Prevalence of feline toxoplasmosis was found to be 59.4 % (19 out of 32 districts) Bangkok area examined.

Conclusion

Strategies to reduce transmission of Toxoplasmosis to animals and humans have to be considered regarding limitation the number of stray cats.