Cats were the key species in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, even if the proportion of subjects excreting oocysts is low. Two hundred and forty cats; 84 stray cats and 156 household cats brought to the Animal Reproductive Research Institute(ARRI) laboratory from different Governorates in Egypt in the period from January 2017 to July 2018. All cats were examined for oocysts of T. gondii in fecal samples and T. gondii antibodies in serum samples. In our study, the results of microscopic examination revealed that (35.71%) of T. gondii oocysts of cats in different governorates. The rate of this infection was (45.71%) in stray cats; highest positivity revealed in Menoufia Governorate (46.67%) and the lowest rate represented in Red sea Governorate(42.86%). On the other side, the lowest positive rate of fecal samples was (25.71%) in household cats; highest positivity in Menoufia Governorate (30%) and lowest rate in Red sea (12.5%). On site Toxoplasma Rapid test; IgM were (34%) the seropositivity infection 35% in stray cats and 33.33% in household cats, indicating a recent infection. IgG were 54% the seropositivity 55% in stray cats and 53.33% in household cats respectively.
Results suggest that the use of microscopical methods plus PCR in feces may be the best of choice for diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis, as it can be expected to improve the value of diagnosis procedures determining if cats are currently shedding oocysts. Detection of T. gondii using serological methods and facilitates diagnosis by On Site Rapid Test protecting citizens against the T. gondii infection from infected cats. Finally, we concluded that a key to effective management of toxoplasmosis is prompt and accurate diagnosis of disease. Stray cats probably the major source of T. gondii infection. The prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in cats is high and this can be considered a potential danger to public health and animals due to high contamination of the environment by oocysts. Some control measures are suggested based on these findings.
Key words: Toxoplasma gondii, Molecular, Serology, Cats, Microscopical
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