A serological study on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep of Lithuania.
In the present study the seroprevalence of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep was investigated in 6 regions of Lithuania. Blood samples were taken from 354 sheep and were tested using commercial ELISA method. The total seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep was 42.1%. Significant differences in seroprevalence were observed between age groups (P < or = 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that the Toxoplasma gondii parasite is widely spread, and can be one of reasons of sheep abortion in Lithuania.
Stimbirys
A
A
Department of Food Safety and Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Tilzes 18, LT-47181, Lithuania. arturas@lva.lt
Bagdonas
J
J
Gerulis
G
G
Russo
P
P
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D008097:Lithuania / Q000453:epidemiology; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan