Seroprevalence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats from, Midwestern Brazil, and risk factors associated with seropositivity

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis and is a widespread disease that infects almost all warm-blooded animals. Felines, especially domestic cats, are the definitive hosts capable of excreting oocysts. Transmission of T. gondii occurs through predating birds and small animals and ingesting contaminated food. In Brazil, the seroprevalence in cats varies according to the region. In this study, a seroprevalence of 15.71% for T. gondii was found in domestic cats in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, with a high-risk factor associated with cats with access to the street and reinforces the importance of controlling access to the street and contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of the parasite in question.