Prevalence and spatial distribution of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic and stray cats (Felis catus) in Northwestern São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, that can infect any warm-blooded animal, including mammals and birds. Felids are the definitive hosts, with infected cats capable of shedding millions of resistant oocysts into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and geospatial distribution of T. gondii infection in pet and stray cats attended at the Zoonosis Control Center in São José do Rio Preto, northwest São Paulo, Brazil. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 36 (25.2 %) of 143 pet cats and 85 (27.8 %) of 306 stray cats, with an overall prevalence of 26.9 %. Male pet cats exhibited a significantly higher risk of infection compared to females (19.5 % vs 34.5 %; p = 0.045). Regional analysis revealed significant difference in seroprevalence between four regions (HB vs Bosque for pet cats, p = 0.035, and Cidade da Criança vs Central for stray cats, p = 0.040). Spatial cluster analysis identified 27 significant hotspots and 70 coldspots (p ≤ 0.05) throughout the municipality. This study represents the first investigation of the seroprevalence and geospatial distribution of T. gondii infection in domestic and stray cats within this region, providing valuable information on the epidemiology of T. gondii. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of T. gondii, supporting the development of effective prevention strategies and reinforcing the importance of a One Health approach.