Epidemiologic observations on infection with Toxoplasma gondii in three species of urban mammals from Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Int J Zoonoses. 1986 Dec;13(4):249-61.

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined in three species of domestic and commensal mammals, from Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Crude prevalences of infection were 14.5% in cats (N = 650), 32.2% in dogs (N = 233), and 49.5% in Norway rats (N = 109). Oocysts identical to T. gondii were detected in 0.5% of cat feces. Cats and rats showed antibody prevalence rates which were strongly age-(or some age-related variable) dependent, with the highest rates associated with older animals. Antibody prevalence increased in dogs up to three years of age, then declined slightly in older animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / analysis*
  • Cats / parasitology*
  • Dogs / parasitology*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Rats / parasitology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies