Abstract:
The genus toxoplasma has a single species, Toxoplasma gondii,
which is an intestinal coccidian of cats. The life cycle includes a
facultative systemic phase, which is an important cause of abortion
in sheep and may also cause a zoonosis. Natural infection has been
described in almost every mammalian order, including over 19 species
of captive and free-ranging ungulates. All felids, but the domestic cat is
the most important final host for the parasite and any other mammals
including man, or birds are the intermediate hosts. Fortunately, the
pathological changes are relatively uncommon and most toxoplasma
infections in animals and man are light and consequently asymptomatic.
Human infections are particularly serious if they occur during pregnancy
and may result in abortion or congenitally acquired disorders, which
primarily affect the central nervous system. In Ethiopia, the prevalence
of immunoglobulin G antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii has been
determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the highest
antibody titers were found in children, young and adults. Human immuno
deficiency virus-1 frequently leads to resurgence of toxoplasmosis. The
most important role of toxoplasmosis in ruminants is its association with
abortion and perinatal mortality. In cats and dogs the most frequent
signs of toxoplasmosis are associated with infection of central nervous
system and the visual, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
