Serological survey of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cats, goats, and sheep in Kerman, Iran

The present study was carried out to determine, the presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis in cats as reservoirs and in sheep and goats as meat sources in this area. Serum samples from 108 stray cats, 114 goats, and 90 sheep were tested for antibody to Toxoplasma gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies were found in 2.7 % of cats, 1.7 % of goats, and 3.3 % of sheep, at a dilution of ≥1:16 and more. T. gondii was isolated by bioassay in mice in two (66.6 %) of three brain samples, of IFAT-positive cats. There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of antibodies based on the gender of the cats, goats, and sheep (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the study revealed that cats can be significant reservoirs for the spread of the disease in this region. © 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited.