Ocurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma in cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

In order to evaluate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), 22 serum samples obtained from diseased cats harbouring FIV were submitted to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test to Toxoplasma. Another 58 ill cats, but that were negative for FIV antibody test and 35 healthy animals, also FIV negative, comprised the second and the third group, respectively. All cats were negative for feline leukemia virus test. The results showed that cats infected with FIV (Grupo I) presented a higher frequency of Toxoplasma antibody titer when compared to groups II and III. Also, a strong correlation was detected between FIV infection and positive serum reaction for Toxoplasma gondii. On the other hand, there was no difference in the magnitude of Toxoplasma antibody titer between positive and negative cats. Although cats that are seropositive to Toxoplasma rarely excrete oocysts in their feces, it is not well known how this immunity can influence oocysts shedding in cats infected with FIV. In consequence of the high frequency of antibody titer to Toxoplasma in FIV positive cats, these animals should always be submitted to antibody test to Toxoplasma.