Changes

Routine haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis show no changes specific for toxoplasmosis. However, during ''T. gondii'' infection, several features may be seen and could be suggestive. For haematology, these might include: non-regenerative anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, neutropenia or eosinophilia. Biochemical profiles could show increased creatine kinase, ALT, SAP, bilirubin and total protein, and proteinuria and bilirubinuria may be revealed by urinalysis.¹

Routine haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis show no changes specific for toxoplasmosis. However, during ''T. gondii'' infection, several features may be seen and could be suggestive. For haematology, these might include: non-regenerative anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, neutropenia or eosinophilia. Biochemical profiles could show increased creatine kinase, ALT, SAP, bilirubin and total protein, and proteinuria and bilirubinuria may be revealed by urinalysis.¹

Cytology is of some use in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Tachyzoites may be seen in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal and pleural effusions or transtracheal washes from clinically ill animals¹. CSF analysis may show elevated protein levels.

 

In a series of cats with suspected CNS toxoplasmosis,

 

blood cells. Cytological examination may reveal tachyzoites

in blood, CSF, transtracheal wash fluids, peritoneal

effusions and pleural effusions from clinically ill

animals.

T gondii oocysts are 10 x 12 ,um in size and can be

T gondii oocysts are 10 x 12 ,um in size and can be

demonstrated microscopically in feline faeces following

demonstrated microscopically in feline faeces following

zoonotic risk, a faecal examination should be performed

zoonotic risk, a faecal examination should be performed

for any cat with clinical signs referable to toxoplasmosis.

for any cat with clinical signs referable to toxoplasmosis.

SEROLOGY

SEROLOGY

T gondii-specific antibodies, antigens and immune

T gondii-specific antibodies, antigens and immune

serum from colostrum ingestion by comparing antigen

serum from colostrum ingestion by comparing antigen

recognition patterns between the queen and kittens.

recognition patterns between the queen and kittens.

AQUEOUS HUMOUR AND CSF ANTIBODY

AQUEOUS HUMOUR AND CSF ANTIBODY

AND DNA MEASUREMENT

AND DNA MEASUREMENT

not provide a definitive diagnosis of clinical toxoplasmosis

not provide a definitive diagnosis of clinical toxoplasmosis

(Burney and others 1998).

(Burney and others 1998).

DEMONSTRATION OF T GONDII IN TISSUES

DEMONSTRATION OF T GONDII IN TISSUES

In addition to using cytology to demonstrate T gondii

In addition to using cytology to demonstrate T gondii

be particularly true for the ophthalmic form of the disease

be particularly true for the ophthalmic form of the disease

in cats.

in cats.

DIAGNOSIS OF CLINICAL FELINE

DIAGNOSIS OF CLINICAL FELINE

TOXOPLASMOSIS

TOXOPLASMOSIS