Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats from Greece

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing kit was used for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. The results of this study indicate that older cats and cats with a history of cat-fight trauma are at the greatest risk for T. gondii-seropositivity. Furthermore, lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies was identified as a risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity. This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established. ABSTRACT: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established.