Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in Free-ranging Mammals in Iowa

Abstract

Serum samples from raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and free-ranging house cats trapped in Iowa between 1984 and 1988 were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the modified direct agglutination test (MAT). Antibody titers ≥1:32 were considered indicative of infection. Prevalence rates by species were estimated for raccoons at 134/885 (15%), skunks at 38/81 (47%), opossums at 12/53 (23%), and cats at 16/20 (80%).