Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray and household cats in Tehran

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG in stray and household cats in Tehran was determined by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) on serum samples from 100 cats (50 stray and 50 households). Overall infection rate was 63%. The infection rate in stray cats (90%) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of household cats (36%). Last serum positive dilutions varied from 1: 32 to 1: 512 titres in which the highest percentage (27%) was for 1:256 and the least (4.8%) was at 1:32. The rate of infection between male and female cats of both groups was not significantly different; 90.3% versus 89.5% for male and female in stray cats, respectively. Different sexes of household cats were seropositive at the same rate (36%). A high positive correlation (r(2)=0.97) between age and the rate of infection was observed. The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats in Tehran was high, especially in stray cats which are probably the main source of Toxoplasma infection in this area.     

Detection of zoonotic intestinal parasites in public parks of Spain. Potential epidemiological role of microsporidia

Several studies have demonstrated that the soil of public parks presents an important source of infection which has a significant impact on public health. Children are the main group affected by accidentally ingestion of contaminated soil. This study was performed in order to identify the presence of zoonotic parasites in dog and cat faecal and soil samples from public parks of Madrid, Spain. Six hundred twenty-five and seventy-nine soil and faecal samples (presumably from dogs and cats) respectively were collected from 67 parks. Intestinal parasites were identified in 27 parks (40.3%), which were contamined with Giardia sp. (19.4%), microsporidia (19.4%), Toxocara spp. (16.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (6%), Entamoeba histolytica (3%) and Ancylostomidae (3%). Combinations of two or more intestinal parasites were found in 11 parks, and it was common to find Giardia and microsporidia together in samples. Intestinal parasites were detected in 18% (112/625) of soil samples. The most frequent parasite species found in the examined soil samples were Toxocara spp. (16.4%), followed by Giardia sp. (4.5%) and Strongyloides sp. larvae (3%). The zoonotic parasites found in the 79 faecal samples were Giardia sp. (17.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (9%), E. histolytica (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and microsporidia spores (28%). Microsporidia characterization by amplification of DNA confirmed 10 samples as positive, eight for E. bieneusi and two for E. hellem by PCR. The role of those parasites in the environment are discussed.     

Infections with helminths and/or protozoa in cats in animal shelters in the Netherlands

To determine the prevalence of infections with helminths and protozoa in cats in animal shelters, faecal samples from 305 cats from 22 animal shelters in the Netherlands were examined, using a centrifugation-sedimentation-flotation-technique. The association between potential risk factors and the occurrence of an infection was also tested. Infections with helminths and/or protozoa were found in 160 samples (52.5%). Toxocara cati was found in 86 cats (28.2%), Cystoisospora felis in 59 cats (19.3%), Cysto?sospora rivolta in 43 cats (14.1%), Capillaria spp. in 34 cats (11.2%), Ancylostoma tubaeforma in 9 cats (3.0%), Taenia taeniaeformis in 9 cats (3.0%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in 8 cats (2.6%), Giardia intestinalis in 3 cats (1.0%), Dipylidium caninum in 2 cats (0.7%) and Toxoplasma gondii in 1 cat (0.3%). The highest prevalence was seen in kittens and stray cats. The main preventive factor against infection was a short stay in a shelter.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in private-household cats in Japan

The present study is the first national investigation of intestinal parasites in private-household cats in Japan. A total of 942 faecal samples were collected from private-household cats. Giardia species was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and other intestinal parasites were identified microscopically. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 10.1%; two protozoan parasites (Giardia species and Cystoisospora species) and five helminths (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Taenia species and Spirometra erinacei) were detected. The total prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was significantly higher in cats aged ≤ 6 months old than in cats older than 6 months because of a significantly higher prevalence of Cystoisospora species and T cati. The total infection prevalence was higher among outdoor cats as a result of the significantly higher prevalence of T cati and S erinacei. Sex and faecal condition were not related to intestinal parasite infections. Regional differences were observed in Cystoisospora species and A tubaeforme.     

Feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and intestinal parasitic infections in Taiwanese cats

A population consisting of 70 breeder cats, 43 clinical cases, and 16 feral cats was examined for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). No oocysts of T. gondii were observed in 96 faecal samples; faecal samples were not available from the feral cats. Other intestinal parasites identified included Isospora felis (three cats), Isospora rivolta (five), Dipylidium canium (two), Toxocara cati (four), Toxascaris leonina (one), and Ancylostoma sp. (two). Using a kinetics-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on 117 sera including all the feral cats, nine had antibody to T. gondii antigen, three for antigens to FIV, and seven to the p27 antigen of FeLV. Of the nine cats with antibody to T. gondii, only one was also infected with FIV.     

Prevalence of zoonotic parasites in feral cats of Central Virginia,USA

Felis catus, the domestic cat, is the definitive host for parasites that may result in adverse health outcomes in humans. Prevalence data of zoonotic parasites in feral cats, which are free‐roaming domestic cats that are born and live in the wild, are limited. The objective of this study was to assess seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and copro‐prevalence of potentially zoonotic parasites in feral cats and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity and faecal excretion of parasites. In this cross‐sectional survey, 275 feral cats at Trap‐Neuter‐Release clinics in Central Virginia were tested for parasites via faecal flotation, direct immunofluorescence assay (faeces) and modified agglutination testing (serum). Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was 22.35% (95% CI: 17.47–27.86). Faecal prevalence of T. gondii‐like oocysts was 1.04% (95% CI: 0.13–3.71), Toxocara cati 58.85% (95% CI: 51.54–65.89), Ancylostoma spp. 18.75% (95% CI: 13.49–25.00), Giardia duodenalis 5.73% (95% CI: 2.89–10.02) and Cryptosporidium spp. 3.33% (95% CI: 1.37–7.24). Female cats were more likely than males to excrete faecal Ancylostoma spp. eggs (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.34–6.17). Adults were more likely than immature cats to be seropositive (OR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.11–3.97) and to excrete faecal Ancylostoma spp. eggs (OR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.10–5.99). However, immature cats were more likely than adults to excrete T. cati eggs (OR 6.79; 95% CI: 3.31–13.90) and to excrete one or more potentially zoonotic species (OR 4.67; 95% CI: 2.28–9.55) in faeces. Results of this study have implications for human and animal health and highlight the importance of collaboration between public health, medical and veterinary communities in preventive efforts.     

Cross-sectional survey in pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany: seroprevalence and risk factors of infections with Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum in sows

A cross-sectional survey was performed to estimate the prevalences of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (ELISA, IFAT), Sarcocystis spp. (ELISA, using S. miescheriana as antigen) and Neospora caninum (ELISA, immunoblotting) in sows from breeding farms in southern Hesse, Germany. A total of 2041 plasma samples of sows from 94 randomly selected farms was examined. Data on farm profiles, husbandry management and sows were collected by a questionnaire and exploratively analysed. For T. gondii the ELISA results agreed well with the results obtained by IFAT (kappa=0.71). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by ELISA in 19% of the sows. Sixty-nine percent of the farms had at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of >or=50% was observed in 14% of all farms. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age of sows. The within-herd seroprevalence was significantly higher in farms with reproductive disorders than in those without such problems. On the farm level, the farm type 'piglet production' (versus 'pedigree breeding' or 'farrow-to-finish') was the only risk factor associated with the presence of T. gondii-seropositive sows. Antibodies to Sarcocystis spp. were found in 29% of the sows. Seventy-two percent of the farms harboured at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of >or=50% was detected in 23% of all farms. The seroprevalence increased significantly with the age of sows. On the farm level, only the farm type 'piglet production' (versus 'pedigree breeding') and the replacement of sows by purchasing (versus raising on the own farm) were identified as risk factors for seropositivity. Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in one sow using both the screening ELISA and the confirmatory immunoblotting technique. This may indicate the first natural N. caninum infection in pigs.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in The Netherlands

Cats, as definitive hosts, play an important role in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in Dutch domestic cats, serum samples of 450 cats were tested for T. gondii antibodies by indirect ELISA. Binary mixture analysis was used to estimate the seroprevalence, the optimal cut-off value and the probability of being positive for each cat. The seroprevalence was estimated at 18.2% (95% CI: 16.6-20.0%) and showed a decrease with age in very young cats, an increase up to about 4 years old and ranged between 20 and 30% thereafter. Hunting (OR 4.1), presence of a dog in the household (OR 2.1), former stray cat (OR 3.3) and feeding of raw meat (OR 2.7) were identified as risk factors by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Prevalence differences were estimated by linear regression on the probabilities of being positive and used to calculate the population attributable fractions for each risk factor. Hunting contributed most to the T. gondii seroprevalence in the sampled population (35%).     

Isolation and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strains from stray cats revealed a single genotype in Beijing, China

Cats are essential in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in nature. This study was aimed to determine the seropositivity, distribution of genotypes and mouse virulence of T. gondii from stray cats in Beijing, China. A total of 64 serum samples, 23 feces and tissue samples were collected from stray cats in Beijing. Antibodies to T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT). 57.8% (37/64) of these stray cats had titers of 1:20 or higher and were considered positive with infection. T. gondii oocysts were not found in feces of the 23 cats. Tissues of 23 cats were bioassayed in mice and 11 T. gondii isolates were obtained. The genotype of these isolates were identified by 11 PCR-RFLP markers, including SAG1, (3'+5')SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and an apicoplast marker, Apico. Only one genotype was identified. This genotype, designated as ToxoDB genotype #9, was previously reported in cats, pigs and human from Guangdong and Gansu provinces in China and animals from a few other countries. To determine mouse virulence of this lineage of parasites, one isolate was randomly selected and inoculated into BABL/c mice, the result showed that it is intermediately virulent to mice. These results indicated that an atypical, intermediately virulent T. gondii lineage is widespread in China. The high seropositivity of T. gondii in stray cats posts potential risk of transmission of the parasite to human population in the region.     

A survey of gastrointestinal helminths in cats of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in 135 cats over 1 year of age and inhabiting the metropolitan region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was investigated by necropsy. These animals had two distinct origins: 99 cats (29 males and 70 females) were derived by capture in public areas (feral/stray) and 36 (12 males and 24 females) from shelters. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 89.6%. The following parasites, with their respective prevalence in parenthesis, were found: Dipylidium caninum (52.6%), Ancylostoma braziliense (65.9%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (8.9%), Toxocara cati (25.2%), Toxascaris leonina (11.9%), Physaloptera praeputialis (9.6%). Concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 59.5% of the individuals. Of the 121 parasitized cats, 94 were feral/strays and 27 were from shelters. Among feral/stray cats, 80 were infected with A. braziliense (85%) and 17 of the shelter felids were infected with D. caninum (63%). Feral/stray cats had higher worm intensities (6411/94-68.2) than shelter cats (992/27-36.7). The helminth parasites most frequently found in feral/stray cats were Ancylostoma braziliense (47.5%) and D. caninum (47%) while in shelter cats, D. caninum was the predominant species (85.2%). Twenty seven cats (22.3%) had only A. braziliense and 19 (15.7%) were parasitized only with D. caninum. Among those cats harboring mixed infections A. braziliense and D. caninum were the species more frequently found (P < 0.001).     

Toxoplasma gondii infection of cats in epizootiological and clinical aspects

A total of 200 cats from a south-western region of Poland were tested for antibodies to T. gondii. 105 (52.5%) examined cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Positive results were found in 16 (50%) out of 30 homeless cats, 33 (55%) out of 60 cats kept in shelters, and 56 (51.85%) out of 108 pet cats visiting outpatients clinics. 70 of pet cats stayed indoor and never left house, the others (38 cats) lived at house, but frequently abided outdoor. The seroprevalence in the last group was higher than in cats kept indoor, in shelters or homeless cats, however the differences were not statistically significant. Among the cats kept exclusively indoor the statistically significant difference in seropositivity was noted between the cats fed raw meat (69.23%) and the ones eating only commercial feed or cooked meat (19.35%), chi2 = 17.24, P < 001. Males were more frequently infected than females, but the differences were not statistically significant. In cats over 5 years old the percentage of positive results was significantly higher than in the younger ones. The ranges of antibody titres measured by LAT (latex agglutination test) were in agreement with ranges estimated by IFAT (indirect fluorescent antibody test). The LAT titres over 1980 IU/ml and IF IgG titres over 1:4000 were found only in cats, in which clinical toxoplasmosis was confirmed.     

Infections with endoparasites in dogs in Dutch animal shelters

Faecal samples from 224 dogs from 23 animal shelters in the Netherlands were examined for endoparasites. In total 20.5% of the faecal sample were positive for helminth and/or protozoa infections. Eggs of Toxocara canis were found in 8.5% of the faecal samples. Other endoparasites found were Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Trichuris vulpis (4.9%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.2%), Dipylidium caninum (1.3%), Taenia spp. (0.5%), Cysto?sospora canis (1.3%), and C. ohioensis (1.3%). Dogs younger than 1 year and stray dogs showed the highest prevalence of infection. T. vulpis was found more often in dogs from shelters with a high cleaning frequency.     

Helminthiasis and toxoplasmosis among exotic mammals at the Santiago National Zoo

Parasitologic evaluations of 112 fecal specimens from 292 mammals from the Santiago National Zoo (36 specimens were pooled specimens from greater than or equal to 2 animals) indicated that 51 mammals had protozoa or helminths in their feces. Most of the parasites in the herbivorous species were trichurids and strongylids, whereas most of the parasites in the carnivorous species were ascarids. Coccidia spp and Giardia spp were the most frequently detected protozoans in the mammals evaluated. Of 127 captive mammals serologically evaluated for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (indirect hemagglutination test), 35 (27.5%) were positive for T gondii: 7 (46.6%) of 15 carnivores, 24 (25.2%) of 95 artyodactyls, and 4 (22.5%) of 17 nonhuman primates. Antibodies against T gondii also were found in 8 of 10 domestic cats captured within the zoo and in 6 of 13 volunteer zookeepers.     

High prevalence of intestinal zoonotic parasites in dogs from Belgrade, Serbia--short communication

To identify areas of risk for canine-related zoonoses in Serbia, the aim of this study was to provide baseline knowledge about intestinal parasites in 151 dogs (65 household pets, 75 stray and 11 military working dogs) from Belgrade. The following parasites, with their respective prevalences, were detected: Giardia duodenalis (14.6%), Ancylostomatidae (24.5%), Toxocara canis (30.5%), Trichuris vulpis (47.0%) and Taenia-type helminths (6.6%). Of all examined dogs, 75.5% (114/151) were found to harbour at least one parasite species. Of these, mixed infections with up to four species per dog occurred in 44.7% (51/114). Infections with all detected species were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in military working (100%) and stray dogs (93.3%) versus household pets (50.8%). Among all parasites, agents with zoonotic potential including Giardia, Ancylostomatidae and Toxocara were detected in 58.3% (88/151) of all examined dogs with a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the subgroups (100%, 62.7% and 46.2% for military working dogs, stray dogs and household pets, respectively). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites registered in the dog population from a highly urban area in south-eastern Europe indicates a potential risk to human health. Thus, veterinarians should play an important role in helping to prevent or minimise zoonotic transmission.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection of cats in Hungary

Blood samples were collected from 330 cats in Hungary in order to evaluate their seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 47.6%, the prevalence being 22.4% among urban, 50% among suburban and 61.3% among rural animals. Significantly more cats had high IFAT titres (1:640 to 1:5120) in the countryside. Female cats were more frequently infected with T. gondii than males (53.3% vs. 39.3%), and seropositivity increased with the age of animals. The prevalence (0.6%) and titre (1:40) of antibodies to N. caninum was low. Sixty-two cats were also screened for seroconversion to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus. Higher titres to T. gondii were more frequently detected among FIP-positive cats, but this difference was non-significant due to the small number of cats with concurrent infection.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in sentinel and free-range chickens from Argentina

This study aimed at isolating and genotyping Toxoplasma gondii from serologically positive free-range chickens from Argentina, and to evaluate the use of sentinel animals during a short time period of exposure to determine environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. Two groups of chickens on six farms were compared in this study: (i) young, 2-3 month-old broiler-type chickens reared as sentinel animals on the farms and (ii) adult chickens reared on the same farms for more than one year. Seroconversion rates of 7.0% or 5.7% were observed in sentinel broiler chickens reared for a period of 74 days (January-April 2010) or 88 days (August-November 2010) respectively, as shown by a T. gondii specific immunofluorescent antibody test. Fifty-three percent (17 of 32) of adult chickens were positive and showed higher titres than sentinel animals. Isolation of T. gondii from tissues (brain and heart) of serologically positive chickens was achieved from six of seven free-range adult birds with IFAT titres of 200 and higher. The isolated parasites were analysed by multi-locus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The isolated T. gondii showed three different genotypes: two genotypes consisted in atypical allele combinations, and the remaining genotype had exclusively clonal type II alleles. All isolates obtained at a single farm, corresponded to the same genotype. The T. gondii genotypes observed are identical to those described in cats, dogs, chickens and capybaras elsewhere in South America. Two isolates, which showed different allele combinations in PCR-RFLP, were characterized in a mouse virulence assay. While one isolate showed a low virulence a second isolate was of intermediate virulence to mice.     

A cross-sectional study of Leishmania spp. infection in clinically healthy dogs with polymerase chain reaction and serology in Greece

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray dogs, and dogs with owners was investigated by fecal examinations from 271 dogs employing sedimentation, simple flotation and centrifugation-flotation methods. The centrifugation-flotation method, when compared to simple flotation or sedimentation methods was generally more accurate in the diagnosis of all intestinal parasites, but statistical differences were detected only in relation to Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. (synonym Isospora spp.). The following parasites, with their respective prevalence, were diagnosed in the fecal samples: Ancylostoma spp. (23.6%); Toxocara canis (5.5%); Trichuris vulpis (4.8%); Spirocerca lupi (1.9%); Dipylidium caninum (0.7%); Giardia spp. (12.2%); Hammondia heydorni (2.6%); Cystoisospora spp. (8.5%); and Sarcocystis spp. (2.2%). The prevalence of most parasites was similar for dogs of mixed-breed and for dogs of a defined-breed, except for Cystoisospora spp. and T. canis which showed a significantly higher prevalence in mixed-breed dogs. The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. (17.1%) was significantly lower in stray dogs than in those with an owner (31.9%) and the prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. was higher in stray dogs (P < 0.05). No effect of season on the occurrence of the different parasite genera could be observed, except for Ancylostoma spp., for which an increase in the percentage of dogs shedding eggs was observed at the beginning of Summer with a peak occurrence during April and May (Autumn). The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp., T. canis, T. vulpis, Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. was higher in adult males than in adult females, but significant differences between the two groups occurred only with Giardia spp. Young animals were found to more frequently shed Nematode eggs in feces than adult animals.     

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from Prague, rural areas, and shelters of the Czech Republic

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was evaluated by examination of dog faecal samples in the Prague city centre, agricultural areas, and two shelters. The overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths, mentioned below) in Prague was 17.6%. Toxocara canis was the most common parasite, and was recovered from 6.2% of dogs, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (2.4%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.4%), Trichuris sp. (1.1%), Taenia-type (1.0%), Giardia spp. (0.1%), Toxascaris sp. (0.9%), Dipylidium sp. (0.7%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.6%), Capillaria spp. (0.6%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (0.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.4%), Uncinaria sp. (0.4%), and Spirocerca sp. (0.2%). The prevalence of infections with helminths and protozoans in two animal shelters in Prague was examined at the dog's admittance ir reception to the shelters and during housing. T. canis eggs (6.5%), Cystoisospora (4.4%), and Giardia (3.3%) cysts were the most prevalent. Significant increases in the prevalence of some parasites were found after a stay in the shelter. Giardia spp. showed an 11-fold increase in prevalence of dogs placed in the shelters for a longer time; Cryptosporidium spp. had a 7-fold increase, Capillaria spp. a 5-fold, Spirocerca sp., Neospora/Hammondia spp., and Cystoisospora spp. a 4-fold increase over dogs examined at the time of admittance to the shelter (p<0.01). Dog in rural areas were infected significantly more frequently (p<0.01) than those in Prague. In 540 faecal samples from rural areas, the overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths mentioned below) was 41.7%. The prevalence of T. canis was 13.7%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (8.0%), Taenia spp. (3.5%), Sarcocystis spp. (3.0%), Giardia spp. (2.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.0%), Trichuris sp. (1.7%), Toxascaris sp. (1.7%), Dipylidium sp. (1.3%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (1.3%), Spirocerca sp. (1.1%), Uncinaria sp. (0.9%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.7%), and Capillaria spp. (0.6%). Examinations of dogs in urban and rural areas showed, with the exception of Trichuris sp. in Prague, a higher occurrence of nematode infection in autumn, notably T. canis (chi2>8.3, d.f.=3, p<0.04).     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in adult llamas (Lama glama) and vicunas (Vicugnavicugna) in the Peruvian Andean region

The present study was designed to investigate Toxoplasma gondii infection in adult llamas (Lama glama) and vicunas (Vicugna vicugna) in the Peruvian Andean region, for which to date no information has been available. Serum samples from 43 llamas (L. glama) and 200 vicunas were tested by IFAT detecting titres of 1:50 or higher in 55.8% (33.9-70.9%) and 5.5% (2.8-9.6%), respectively. IFAT titres ranged from 1:50 to 1:6400. In order to avoid cross reactions with closely related coccidian parasites and to confirm the existence of T. gondii specific antibodies, IFAT positive sera from both ruminant species were also analysed by western blot. T. gondii specific antigens were recognised by IFAT positive sera, although different IFAT cut-off points could be selected for llamas (1:200) and vicunas (1:50) meaning seroprevalence of 44.2% (29.1-60.1%) and 5.5% (2.8-9.6%), respectively. Based on the frequency and intensity of tachyzoite antigen recognition, at least three immunodominant antigens with apparent molecular weights of 22-24, 30, and 38-40 kDa were detected, together with other minor protein fractions located in the 18-73 kDa range. This study documents for the first time the presence of T. gondii infection and reports the target T. gondii antigens in adult llamas and vicunas in Peru.     

宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法、改良抗酸染色法和卢戈碘液染色法对郑州某宠物市场宠物毛丝鼠96份粪便样品进行检查。结果共查出2种原虫和1种蠕虫。寄生虫总感染率为46.9％,贾第虫感染率最高,为37.5％,球虫和短膜壳绦虫感染率次之,分别为8.3％和2.1％。贾第虫感染率与动物年龄（P>0.05）和性别（P>0.05）均无统计学相关性。这是国内首次报道宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况。