Development of a rapid test for IgG anti-toxoplasma gondii detection in canine and feline

Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed zoonosis caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, the biological cycle of T. gondii involves domestic and wild cats as definitive hosts, being responsible for the excretion of oocysts in the environment, while dogs and other mammals act as intermediate hosts.In humans, infection can occur through contact with the feces of infected cats, ingestion of contaminated food, or vertical transmission during pregnancy.Given this, early and efficient diagnosis in domestic animals is essential to mitigate the risks of transmission to humans.Objectives: The present study aimed to standardize a rapid IgG detection test for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats, aiming at its application in epidemiological surveillance and disease control.Methodology: A total of 36 feline serum samples and 46 canine serum samples were analyzed, previously characterized by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI), considered the gold standard test.The sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated by comparing its results with those obtained at the IFI.Results: Of the 36 feline serum samples analyzed, eight were positive, and 28 were negative for toxoplasmosis.Among the 46 canine samples, 13 tested positive, and 33 were negative.The preliminary statistical analysis showed that, for felines, the rapid test had a sensitivity of 72.73% and a specificity of 96.15%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.73, indicating a substantial agreement with the gold standard test.For canines, the sensitivity was 64.29%, and the specificity was 81.25%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.45, suggesting a moderate agreement. Conclusion:The developed IgG rapid test has shown to be a promising method for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats.Its high agreement with the gold standard test (IFA) reinforces its potential as a screening tool for application in epidemiological surveillance.The development of this test can contribute to the early diagnosis and proper management of toxoplasmosis in domestic animals, helping to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans and promoting more effective strategies to control the disease from a One Health perspective.