Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Eurasian badgers

J Wildl Dis. 2006 Jan;42(1):179-81. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-42.1.179.

Abstract

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in samples collected from 90 live-trapped adult Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) sampled at three sites (two agricultural and one woodland) in southern England. Serum was tested using a qualitative latex agglutination test procedure and 63 of 90 (70%) badgers tested positive for T. gondii antibodies. Antibody prevalence varied between the sites; 67% and 77% of badgers from agricultural sites and 39% from a nonagricultural site tested positive.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / parasitology
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • England / epidemiology
  • Latex Fixation Tests / methods
  • Latex Fixation Tests / veterinary
  • Mustelidae / parasitology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan