Feline Toxoplasmosis in Greece: A Countrywide Seroprevalence Study and Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite, with felines being the only definitive hosts. Cats shed oocysts with their faeces, and seroprevalence studies can be used to indirectly assess the environmental contamination. The current study aimed to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence in Greek cats and identify possible risk factors. In total, 1554 blood samples were analyzed from different cats across all nine geographic regions of Greece, and a short questionnaire was completed for each cat. A rapid immunochromatographic test was used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies, IgG type, and 21.8% of cats were seropositive. Regarding risk factors, when chi-square tests were applied, seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rural cats, cats with outdoor access, and hunting cats. Gender, age, ownership, and raw feeding were not significant risk factors, although female, adult, stray, and raw-feeding cats had a higher seroprevalence than their counterparts. Binary logistic regression models were developed to adjust for the confounding effects of the initially recognized risk factors, and only hunting in urban areas remained a significant risk factor. Greek cats had lower seropositivity than the average European value, and the present research highlights the importance of updated seroprevalence and risk factor studies within the context of One-Health.