Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, Iran

Toxoplasma gondii infects a wide range of animals; felines are definitive hosts and other animals including the dogs are intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, capital of Iran and to investigate possible associated risk factors. Three hundreds ninety six serum samples were collected during 2007-8 from the dogs. Collected samples were tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFAT] in dilutions of 1:16 and more. All procedures were carried out in Shahrekord University, Iran. All the data were analyzed using SPSS software, qui square test with confidence interval of 0.95. From evaluated samples, 89 [22.47%] were positive in titers of at least 1:16. further evaluations in other dilutions showed positive results in dilutions of maximum 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128 and 1:256 in 38, 29, 15, 2 and 5 dogs respectively. Investigation of the role of risk factors showed no sex predisposition while infection rate was significantly higher in dogs older than one year old. Living places were of significant importance; infection rate was significantly higher in stray or guard dogs in compare with household dogs [P<0.05]. Relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran shows high environmental contamination. It is recommended that the dogs with suspected clinical signs be tested for T. gondii infection

[Nutritional secondary hyper parathyroidism incidence in kittens and effects of two treatment regimens]

Diagnosis of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in preliminary stage was studied by determination of serum profiles as first key for early diagnostic method. On the other hand compare between two treatment methods for osteoprothic cases has concerned in second part of survey. Treatment performed by drug consumption and changes in food regimes for two seperated groups. 50 osteoprotic and 50 normal 2-3 month old kittens were selected randomly. Radiographic exams were our landmark to selection of osteoprothic kittens. Serum calcium [Ca], parathormon[PTH], phosphorus[P] and serum alkaline phosphatase[AP] levels measured in all of them. Serum profiles have in osteoprothic and normal ittens were compared by student t-test and paired t-test. Comparative study showed significant decrease in serum P and increase in PTH in the first group [Osteoporotic kittens] [P<0.05]. No significant changes have seen in serum Ca and APin both groups

[Study in prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in domestic cats from Tehran]

In present study the zoonotic role of cat in Bartonella henselae transmission have determined. It has done on 100 cats in 2 groups: indoor and outdoor and in 2 age's subgroups. Bartonella henselae was not isolated from blood culture of cats. 23 cats from 100 cats [23%] had antibodies against B. henselae. In this study there were no significant differences statistically in seroprevalence between cats and their owners [p<0.381]. Seroprevalence of cat owners was 18% and in control group [persons who own no cat] was 5%. There were significant differences [p<0.004] between cat owners and control group. Only 6 cats of 50 cats under 6 months old had antibodies to bartonella henselae, and in the other group 17 cats were seropositive and there were significant differences between these two groups [p<0.009] that showed seroprevalence in cats more than 6 months old is higher than the cats under 6 months old. 2 indoor cats from 50 indoor cats and 21 outdoor cats from 50 outdoor cats were seropositive and comparing of these two groups showed significant differences [p<0.0005], which confirmed indoor cats are less frequently infected than outdoor or stray cats