Abstract:
Toxoplasma gondii infection is a zoonotic protozoan infection that affects warm-blooded
animals, including cattle. In cattle, T.gondii can cause abortions, birth defects, and stillbirths
resulting in significant economic and reproductive losses. Consumption of infected meat and
milk facilitates the zoonotic transmission. The objectives of the study were to: (1) modify an
existing ELISA system to measure the prevalence of Toxoplasmosis among cattle (2) utilize the
above test for serological diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in cattle (3) compare the occurrence of
Toxoplasmosis among cattle from different locations in Sri Lanka and also in imported cattle. 75
serum samples from 7 areas (Ambalantota, n=10; Embilipitiya, n=10; Anuradhapura, n=13;
Padawiya, n=12; Polonnaruwa, n=10; Thanamalwila, n=10 and Vauniya, n=10) in Sri Lanka and
75 serum samples from imported cattle were collected for the study. An existing indirect ELISA
system described previously for goats was modified to analyze serum samples. The antibody
titres of 150 samples ranged from 0.102 to 1.246. The antibody titre of Ambalantota (0.335) was
higher (p<0.05) compared with the antibody titre of Vauniya (0.617). The difference of antibody
titres between local (0.486) and imported cattle (0.408) was nearly significant (p=0.081). The
antibody titre of imported cattle was higher (p<0.05) compared with the antibody titre of cattle
from Vauniya. The occurrence of toxoplasmosis in some selected locations was higher (p<0.05)
compared with other tested locations. The highest occurrence of toxoplasmosis was reported
from Polonnaruwa (80%; 8/10), whereas the lowest were from Ambalantota (20%; 2/10) and
Thanamalwila (20%; 2/10). In conclusion, an existing ELISA system was modified to detect
Toxoplasma antibodies in cattle. Antibody titres of Toxoplasma varied significantly at some
specific locations in the country. The occurrence of toxoplasmosis infection was significantly
different among some specific locations and imported cattle
