Serological and molecular investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

IF 2.6 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-20 DOI:10.1016/j.fawpar.2026.e00323

Md. Farhan Hasan , Ainun Nahar , Anas Bin Harun , Abdullah Al Bayazid , Sourov Sutradhar , Sabiha Zarin Tasnim Bristi , Basant Saud , Delower Hossain , Md. Aminul Islam , Md. Ataur Rahman , Md Robiul Karim

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle, using felids as definitive hosts and various warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. This study aimed to assess the sero-molecular prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in domestic cats in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh. Blood and fecal samples from 184 cats were collected and analyzed using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the REP-529 gene. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was determined as 9.78% (18/184), while molecular analysis detected a slightly lower prevalence of 8.15% (15/184) among the sampled cats. Several host- and management-related factors were significantly associated with T. gondii infection in cats. ELISA positivity was significantly higher in non-dewormed cats, those with outdoor access, and those defecating outdoors, while PCR positivity was significantly associated with outdoor access and outdoor defecation. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that age, deworming status, and outdoor access were significant risk factors based on ELISA. In contrast, outdoor access alone was identified as a risk factor by PCR detection. The results indicate that T. gondii infection is common among domestic cats in Bangladesh, posing a potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. These findings highlight the importance of raising cat owners' awareness, enhancing public health education, and promoting preventive veterinary care to reduce the transmission of T. gondii between cats and humans.

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孟加拉国达卡市家猫刚地弓形虫血清学和分子调查。

刚地弓形虫是一种全球流行的人畜共患原生动物寄生虫，具有复杂的生命周期，以猫科动物为终宿主，以各种温血动物为中间宿主。本研究旨在评估孟加拉国达卡大都市区家猫中弓形虫感染的血清分子流行率和危险因素。收集184只猫的血液和粪便样本，采用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）和针对REP-529基因的传统聚合酶链反应（PCR）进行分析。弓形虫血清阳性率为9.78%(18/184)，分子分析阳性率为8.15%（15/184）。一些宿主和管理相关因素与猫的弓形虫感染有显著关系。未驱虫猫、有室外通道猫和在室外排便猫的ELISA阳性显著高于室外通道猫，而PCR阳性与室外通道猫和在室外排便猫的阳性显著相关。多变量logistic回归分析结果显示，年龄、驱虫状况和室外通道是感染的重要危险因素。相比之下，室外通道单独通过PCR检测被确定为危险因素。结果表明，弓形虫感染在孟加拉国的家猫中很常见，具有人畜共患疾病传播给人类的潜在风险。这些发现强调了提高猫主人意识、加强公共卫生教育和促进预防性兽医护理以减少猫与人之间弓形虫传播的重要性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Food and Waterborne Parasitology Immunology and Microbiology-Parasitology

CiteScore

5.10

自引率

4.00%

发文量

审稿时长

13 weeks

期刊介绍： Food and Waterborne Parasitology publishes high quality papers containing original research findings, investigative reports, and scientific proceedings on parasites which are transmitted to humans via the consumption of food or water. The relevant parasites include protozoa, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes which are transmitted by food or water and capable of infecting humans. Pertinent food includes products of animal or plant origin which are domestic or wild, and consumed by humans. Animals and plants from both terrestrial and aquatic sources are included, as well as studies related to potable and other types of water which serve to harbor, perpetuate or disseminate food and waterborne parasites. Studies dealing with prevalence, transmission, epidemiology, risk assessment and mitigation, including control measures and test methodologies for parasites in food and water are of particular interest. Evidence of the emergence of such parasites and interactions among domestic animals, wildlife and humans are of interest. The impact of parasites on the health and welfare of humans is viewed as very important and within scope of the journal. Manuscripts with scientifically generated information on associations between food and waterborne parasitic diseases and lifestyle, culture and economies are also welcome. Studies involving animal experiments must meet the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals as issued by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences.