Clinical, parasitological and obstetric observations in pregnant bitches with experimental toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Eight pregnant mixed breed bitches, serologically negative for Toxoplasma gondii, were divided into three groups. Group I : bitches 01 and 02 (1.0 x 10(7) tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, subcutaneous route); Group II: bitches 03, 04 and 05 (1.5 x 10(4) oocysts, oral route); Group III: bitches 06, 07 and 08 (as control). Clinical and obstetric examinations were conducted twice a day on each bitch, and weekly ultra-sonografic evaluations were performed until the end of pregnancy. From the 2nd day the bitches presented clinical alterations such as fever, nasal flowing, lachrymation, prostration, lymphadenopathy, premature parturition, abortion and fetal death. In Group I, Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from the bitches urine (day 10) and saliva (day 18). The bitches inoculated with oocysts showed milk samples collected on day 07and day 16 after inoculation positive for Toxoplasma gondii. Saliva collected on day 13 and urine samples collected on days 1, 3, 7 and 16 from these bitches also showed positive. All inoculated bitches reacted positively to antigenic stimulus, with production of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies from day 3 on, with highest titers detected on day 11. Antibodies were detected by Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests.

Keywords

• toxoplasmosis
• Toxoplasma gondii
• pregnant bitches
• pathology