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Some observations on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Canada

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

Ian R. Tizard ,
Norman A. Fish  and
Joseph P. Quinn
Ian R. Tizard
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
Norman A. Fish
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
Joseph P. Quinn
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
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Summary

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Between 1961 and 1974, 11934 samples of serum were tested by the Sabin- Feldman Dye test for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii.

Analysis of high-titred sera suggested that a 6-year cycle of high disease prevalence occurred across Canada. In addition, a decline in the percentage of positive reactions occurred each year in the Fall. The suggestion that this decline was due to dry conditions during the summer months was supported by the observation that differences in the prevalence of toxoplasma infection in ten Canadian cities were related to their average summer rainfall. The significance of these observations in relation to the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in this country is discussed. The influence of patient age on the prevalence of infection was also investigated; the results obtained suggested that at least 75% of infants with high antibody titres against T. gondii had obtained these antibodies by placental transfer from their mothers.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 77 , Issue 1 , August 1976 , pp. 11 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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