الفهرس 
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasite in that it is found in most parts of the world. Many serologic surveys, epidemiologic studies and current reviews confirm a high rate of Toxoplasma infection in man and animals (Paul, 1982).
In the present study, different serologic assays were used as criteria for detection of Toxoplasma antibodies among examined human and animal serum samples from different geographic areas where indirect hemagglutination test and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay were used in Egypt. Toxotest-MT and indirect ixnmunofluorescent antibody technique were used in California.
In Egypt, the results of the indirect hemagglution test among examined human serum samples, in the present work, revealed that the overall seropositive rate was 82 (49.1%) out of 167 human serum samples.
In subjects, representing Ismailia province, Egypt, it was found that 57 (64.8%) out of 88 human sera showed Toxoplasma antibodies. In Beheira province, Egypt, the prevalence rate was found to be 25 (31.6%) out of 77 human serum samples.
On the other hand, the results of enzyme linked immunosorbant assay among the same number of human sera in Egypt, revealed that the overall seropositve rate was 105 (62.9%) out of 167 human serum samples. In Ismailia province, the .prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was demonstrated in 70 (79.5%) out of 88 human serum samples. In Beheira province, the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies as indicated by ELISA, was found to be 35 (44.3%) out of 77 human serum samples.
In California, this survey was carried out within San Bernardino County. The prevalence rate of Toxoplasma antibodies among the examined human serum samples was 9.2% and 9.5% as analyzed by Toxotest-MT and indirect immunofluorescent antibody test respectively.
Toxoplasma antibody titers among the examined human serum samples in Egypt, as determined by hEAT, were found to be 40% of the seropositive human sera had a mild titers (1:64 to 1:256) and the remaining 60% had a high titers (1:512 to
1:2048). On the other hand in California, Toxoplasma antibody titers among the examined human serum samples were 40.4% and 44.4% of seropositive human sera had a mild titers (1:16 to
1:256) and the remaining 59.6% and 55.5% had a higher titers (1:512 to 1:2048) as determined by Toxotest-MT and IFAT respectively.
In Egypt, the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among examined human serum samples increased with age. It was nearly similar to the result that obtained among examined human sera in California. Statistically, the coeffecient of correlation between the age groups and seropositive cases was positive value.
The prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was significantly higher in females (71.1%) than males (51.4%) in Egypt. However in the present survey in California, there is no significant difference in Toxoplasma seropositive rate between males (11.3%) and female (7.8%).
In Egypt, the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher among the examined human sera in urban area (69.4%) than that obtained in rural areas (57 .9%). There was no significant difference between the prevalence rate among the examined people in urban and rural areas.
Toxoplasma seropositive rate among the examined apparently healthy individuals and patients was 27.3% and 87% respectively in Ismailia province, Egypt. In Beheira province, 31.9% and 49.1% of examined apparently healthy individuals and patients respectively, were seropositive for toxoplasmosis. In Egypt, the overall seropositiVe rate among the examined patients (70.1%) was significantly higher than those obtained among apparently healthy individuals (33.3%).
In Egypt, the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among the examined animals, as determined by indirect hemagglutination test was found to be 37 (51.4%) out of 72 cats, 92 (30.2%) out of 304 sheep and 50 (29.7%) out of 168 goats.
The highest Toxoplasma antibody titers among the examined animals was found to be 40.5% seropositive cats had a titer of 1:1024, 21.7% of seropositive sheep had a titers of ? 1:1024 and 36% of seropositive goats had a titer of 1:1024.
In California, it was found that low prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among the examined cats (2%) and dogs (5.7% and 4.5%) as analyzed by Toxotest-MT and indirect iinmunofluorescent antibody test respectively.
The highest Toxoplasma antibody titers among examined cats was found to be 50% of the seropositive cats had Toxotest—titers of 1:2048 and 75% had IFA titers of > 1:1024. Low percentage of Toxoplasma antibody high titers was found among the examined dogs. One (6.7%) and one (8.3%) of seropositive dogs had Toxotest and IFA-titers of > 1:1024 respectively.
Distribution of Toxoplasma infection among the examined animal species in Egypt was examined. In subjects, representing Isamailia province, revealed that 7 (36.8%) of 19 cats, 36 (32.1%) of 112 and 15 (30.6%) of 49 goats had indirect hemagglutination Toxoplasma antibody titers. In Beheira province, the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was found to be 30 (56.6%) of 53 cats, 56 (29.2%) of 192 sheep, and 35 (29.4%) of 119 goats.
In regards to seroreactivity and age, in Ismailia province the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in young cats (less than 6 months) and adult ones were 0% and 58.3% respectively, 2 of the latter had titers of 1:1024. Toxoplasma seropositive rate in young sheep (less than one year) was 21.4%, 2 of them had titers of 1:1024. In adult
Sheep it was 35.7%, 6 of them had a titers of 1:1024. The prevalence of Toxoplasma infection was 20% in young goats (less than one year), 2 of them had a titers of 1:1024. In adult goats it was 35.3%, 2 of them had a titers of 1:1024. Statistically, difference in Toxoplasma seropositive rate between young and adult cats was significant.
In Beheira province, the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection was 35% in young cats, 4 of them had a titers of > 1:1024. In adult cats, it was 69.7%, 9 of them had a titers of 1:1024. Toxoplasma seropositive rate among young sheep was 11.1%, 4 of them had a titers of 1:1024. In adult sheep it was 40%, 6 of them had a titers of > 1:1024. The prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 22.2% in young goats, 9 of them had a titers of 1:1024, in adult goats it was 37.5%, 5 of them had a titers of 1:1024.
The prevalence rate of Toxoplasma antibodies among examined cats collected from pen of sheep and goats (58.7%) was higher than those collected from human dwellings (38.5%). However, statistically, there was no significant difference in Toxoplasma seropositive rate among examined cats based on their sources.
The prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among examined sheep and goats from slaughter houses (32.1% and 29.2%) was nearly similar to results obtained among those from pens of sheep and goats (29.2% and 29.4%), respectively.
The serological tests which were used in this study were
compared. Test results indicated 86.2% qualitative agreement between the two methods among the examined human serum samples.
Toxotest-MT and indirect ixnmunofluorescent antibody test were used for the detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii among 566 humans, 203 cats and 264 dogs. Test results showed 99.7%, 100% and 98.9% qualitative agreement between the two methods among the examined humans, cats and dogs respectively.
A marked correlation in titers obtained by the two methods was shown.
The prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher among aborted sheep and goats (57.1% and 42.9%) than those delivering normal lambs or kids (32.2% and 34.3%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in prevalence of Toxoplasma infection between goats had aborted and had not. While the positive reaction rate for Toxoplasma gondii was significantly higher in aborted sheep than had not. Trials to isolate Toxoplasma organisms, in the present study, from aborted faeti and placentas of sheep and goats were unsuccessful. In addition, Toxoplasma cysts in these aborted faeti and placentas were not detected.
Cat faecal samples were examined microscopically. The overall prevalence rate of Toxoplasma oocysts was found to be 3 (0.5%) out of 597 faecal samples of stray cats in Egypt. Of three positive faecal samples, 2 out of 400 faecal specimens which were collected from Beheira province. The third was one out of 197 faecal specimens which were collected from Ismailia province. On the other hand, in California, 250 cat faecal samples were microscopically examined without finding oocysts in any of them.
In Egypt, Toxoplasma like cysts were mainly found in
hearts and skeletal muscles of some Toxoplasma seropositive cats, sheep and goats.
One (10%) of 10 lilA-positive cats for Toxoplasmosis had Toxoplasma like cysts in hearts and skeletal muscles. Five (27.8%) and one (16.7%) of 18 and 6 lilA—positive sheep and goats for toxoplasmosis respectively, had Toxoplasma-like cysts in hearts.
Although limited numbers of humans and animals were
tested in Egypt, it was evident that a high percentage of people and animals become infected with Toxoplasma gondii.