Diagnostic methods used to detect Toxoplasma gondii infestation in cats - case report

Abstract

The results regarding the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans in the city of Iasi during one year, show a rate of 6,6% of cases detected with positive IgM, and 32.7% of cases detected with positive IgG, compared to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cats which shows a rate of 0.7% of positive cases detected with positive IgM; which denotes that toxoplasmosis is underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. A very important role is played by the diagnostic method used. The article deals with a case study, a 1,8-year-old cat with cerebellar ataxia, dysmetria and hypermetria, with moderate opacification of the entire corneal surface, panuveitis, chorioretinitis and corneal edema. Following the paraclinical investigations, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was made, using the Welltest Toxoplasma IgG/IgM immunochromatographic test, confirming the acute phase of the disease with positive IgM and negative IgG. Using the molecular detection techniques through qRT PCR, the result was negative, emphasizing the fact that the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii uses the blood as a way of spreading in the body, the relatively short phase that can induce a negative result, despite the presence of severe symptoms. The conclusions emphasize the importance of using a correct diagnostic method, molecular techniques, despite their high sensitivity, are not always recommended. In toxoplasmosis, the recommended diagnostic method is the serological one to detect IgG/IgM antibodies.