Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

In this Study, Toxoplasma gondii was diagnosed and isolated successfully from domestic (Stray) cats at Mosul city, Iraq using Latex test and the flotation method of fecal material. The study also included experimental induction of the condition by giving orally oocysts of T. gondii to albino mice at a dose of 1000 sporulated oocysts and leaving the mice for 14 days. All infected mice (15 with tissue cysts) were fed to 8 cats negative for latex and fecal flotation method. The pathogenesis of the isolated T. gondii has been followed through daily fecal examination which indicated the presence of oocysts at the 5 th post infection
(p. i.) day. Postmortem examination of 2 cats was done at 3, 7, 14, and 21
days p. i. with preparation of histological section from the intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas and brain. Additionally, histological techniques were done for the intestines and liver. Clinical sings were not seen in cats infected experimentally. Grossly, multifocal areas of necrosis and severe congestion were seen most prominently in the brain. Histiochemically, there was an increase in mucopolysaccharide in the intestine and in glycogen infiltration in hepatic cells.