Comparison of Diagnostic Technique for Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dairy Cows in Thailand

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals reared for human consumption has an impact on the economics of production and on public health, since this pathogen has been the causative agent of abortion and able to transmit to humans. Efficient diagnosis is needed to identify infected animals in
order to reduce the economic damage and lower the risk of infection to humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate a practical diagnostic tool to use for routine diagnosis by veterinary clinicians. Serum samples from 50 dairy cows were evaluated by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Four tests for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: enzyme linked immuno sorbent (ELISA), latex agglutination (LAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop mediated amplification (LAMP) were compared to an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The highest sensitivity rates were achieved with LAT (100%). The specificity varied with values of 82.6% (LAMP), 91.3% (LAT), and 100% (PCR). The results demonstrated that LAT had a higher sensitivity and specificity compared to IFAT as a gold standard for the diagnosis of T. gondii infections and indicated that LAT should be used as the routine diagnostic test for the detection of T. gondii infection in dairy cows in Thailand.