Prevalence of agglutinating antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Connecticut

J Parasitol. 2006 Jun;92(3):664-5. doi: 10.1645/GE-800R.1.

Abstract

The prevalence of agglutinating antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was examined in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and raccoons (Procyon lotor) from 8 cities in Connecticut. Ten (42%) of the 24 striped skunks, 2 of 7 (29%) opossums, and 12 of 12 (100%) raccoons were positive at dilutions of 1:50 or greater. These results suggest that T. gondii is prevalent in the environment, or prey items, or both, of these omnivores in Connecticut.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agglutination Tests / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Connecticut / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mephitidae / parasitology*
  • Opossums / parasitology*
  • Raccoons / parasitology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Urban Health

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan