Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic rabbits in Durango State, Mexico.

Abstract

There is a lack of information concerning the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in rabbits in northern Mexico. Through a cross sectional study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 429 domestic rabbits in Durango State, Mexico using the modified agglutination test. Rabbits were raised in 29 properties in 6 municipalities. Overall, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 70 (16.3%) of 429 rabbits, with titers of 1:25 in 42, 1:50 in 19, 1:100 in 5, 1:200 in 3, and 1:800 in 1. Seropositive rabbits were found in 21 (72.4%) of 29 properties, including 16 of 21 homes, 4 of 5 farms, and 1 of 3 pet shops. This is the first study of T. gondii infection in rabbits in Durango, Mexico. Results indicate that infected rabbits are a potential source of T. gondii infection in humans in Durango State.