Prevalence and Patterns of Toxoplasmosis in Domestic Cats in Shiraz City and Evaluation of Preventive Measures for Human Transmission

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic infection that poses a significant public health risk, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. Cats, as definitive hosts of T. gondii, play a key role in the transmission of the parasite to humans. In Shiraz, the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in domestic cats and the associated risk of human transmission remains poorly understood. This study aims to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in domestic cats in Shiraz, examine the patterns of infection, and assess preventive strategies to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. Materials and Methods: A total of ۱۵۰ domestic cats were randomly selected from various neighborhoods in Shiraz for this study. Blood and fecal samples were collected from each cat for serological and molecular analyses. The presence of T. gondii antibodies was assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) was used to detect the parasite's DNA in fecal samples. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to cat owners to assess their knowledge of toxoplasmosis, their practices related to cat care, and their awareness of zoonotic risks. The study was conducted over a six-month period, and the results were analyzed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and patterns of T. gondii infection in domestic cats. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection in domestic cats in Shiraz was found to be ۲۸%. Serological analysis indicated that ۱۸% of cats tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, while PCR detection revealed that ۱۰% of fecal samples contained T. gondii DNA. The highest prevalence was observed in outdoor cats, particularly those with free access to raw meat or birds, which are known to be common intermediate hosts. The majority of infected cats were between ۱-۳ years old. The survey results revealed that ۶۰% of cat owners were unaware of the zoonotic potential of toxoplasmosis, and many lacked proper hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of cat litter boxes. Preventive measures, including proper cooking of meat, avoiding handling of cat litter during pregnancy, and regular veterinary checks, were underutilized. Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent zoonotic disease in domestic cats in Shiraz, with significant implications for public health. The high prevalence of T. gondii in cats, particularly outdoor cats with access to raw meat, underscores the importance of educating pet owners on the risks of zoonotic transmission and the implementation of preventive measures. Public health initiatives should focus on increasing awareness about proper hygiene practices, safe handling of cats and litter, and the importance of veterinary care to reduce the risk of transmission to humans. Furthermore, controlling the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of T. gondii, such as managing stray cat populations, can help reduce the overall burden of the disease.

کلیدواژه ها:

Toxoplasmosis ، domestic cats ، prevalence ، zoonosis ، Shiraz