TOXOPLASMOSIS

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a wide host range and is a common infection in animals and man.  Cats are infected by ingesting tissue cysts present in rodents.  In cats, following primary infection, oocysts are shed in their faeces for a period of one to two weeks.  The oocysts are infective to many species and are very resistant to environmental conditions with the ability to remain infective in many locations including soil.  The clinical signs of toxoplasmosis can vary greatly and will largely depend on the immune status of the animal.  Clinical disease can occur in cats and dogs as well as many other species and may involve uveitis, neurological dysfunction or more generalised multi-organ disease.

Toxoplasma oocysts

At  TESTAPET  we use a Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) that detects specific IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii antigen.  Most species can be tested. Results are reported as negative or the titre at which they are positive. 

Sample        0.5ml serum / clotted blood