Antibody kinetics and exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in cats: a seroepidemiological study

Abstract Domestic cats are the most important definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, agent of an global zoonosis. Serial sera from orally inoculated either with T. gondii tissue cysts (n = 3) or sporulated oocysts and 65 client-owned cats, plus 1,757 presented to veterinarians in Switzerland were analysed antibody response T. by ELISA. Risk factors seropositivity prevalence estimated with a generalised linear beta regression model. The first model examined association OD405 value as dependent variable, gender, age, outside access possible independent variables. In second model, we data assuming bimodal distribution representing two overlapping distributions values positive negative enabling assignment probability true infection status each cat. Mean probabilities across groups represent estimate prevalence. These then regressed against gender access. Antibody kinetics cysts, shedding oocysts, did not differ significantly those without detectable oocyst excretion, suggesting extraintestinal parasite invasion exposure tachyzoites both situations at early stage infection. Analysis serial serum samples suggested persisting long-term humoral immune response. Of 42.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 40.1–44.6) had status. This was higher (56.3% CI: 53.2–59.6)) than (22.1% 18.9–25.4)). age (P