Toxoplasma gondii infection of cats in Beirut, Lebanon

The prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test in cats of Beirut, Lebanon from September 1980 to July 1983 (35 months). Testing revealed that 253/324 (78.1%) cats had antibodies in the IFA test. While the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in stray cats was considerably greater than in owned cats at the beginning of the study, this difference diminished over time, and prevalence was similar by the end of the study. Faecal shedding of Toxoplasma-like oocysts was found in 31/313 (9.9%) of cats, while 38/313 (12.1%) shed other Isospora spp. oocysts. The occurrence of dual infections was statistically significant.