Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The first seroprevalence and molecular detection of toxoplasmosis infecting cats in Jordan with associated risk factors.
- Journal:
- Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Alkhatatbeh, Serein Khalil et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health
- Species:
- cat
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious zoonotic disease transmitted by feline. It has been previously studied in human and other farm animals in Jordan but never in cates. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and May 2023, in various regions of Jordan to assess Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats using both serologic and molecular techniques. A total of 368 blood and fecal samples were collected from pet, stray, feral, and shelter-residing cats. Serological testing via indirect ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.1 % (41/368; 95 % CI: 8.3 %-14.77 %), with a true prevalence estimated at 11.08 %. PCR analysis targeting the surface antigen 3 (SAG3) gene identified an active infection rate of 32.88 % (121/368; 95 % CI: 28.2 %-37.8 %). Combining both diagnostic methods (considering either ELISA or PCR results) yielded a total infection rate of 40.5 % (149/368; 95 % CI: 36 %-46 %), with 4 % (13/368, 95 % CI: 0.02 %-0.06 %) tested positive on both assays. Seroprevalence varied by group: 18 % in pet, 9 % in stray, 8 % in feral, and 13 % in shelter-residing cats, with pet cats significantly more likely to be seropositive than feral cats (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression of PCR results identified deworming status and living conditions as significant risk factors; dewormed cats were 2.15 times more likely to test PCR-positive (OR = 2.15; 95 % CI: 1.172-3.965) compared with non- dewormed cats, and stray cats had 2.54 times higher odds compared to shelter-residing cats (OR = 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.12-5.778; p < 0.05). Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of the type III CEP strain of T. gondii, underscoring the zoonotic risk and need for ongoing surveillance in regions with high cat ownership.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41741047/