Species: Ovine, caprine, feline, canine

Specimen: Serum, fetal fluids

Container: Plain (red top) or gel tube

Collection protocol: Venepuncture

Special handling/shipping requirements: Standard

General information about the disease:

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection, is one of the most common infectious causes of ovine abortion and positive ewe sera indicates exposure to the organism, not necessarily proving toxoplasmosis as the cause of abortion. Characteristic histological changes can be seen in foeti infected with toxoplasma and this is the adjunct method of diagnosis in abortion cases. Toxoplasma titres in fluids of aborted fetuses also assist in the confirmation of infection.

The serological confirmation of clinical toxoplasmosis in cats and dogs requires the demonstration of a rising titre in acute and convalescent sera as toxoplasma titres are very common in normal dog and cat sera. It is recommended for paired serology that the samples be taken 10-14 days apart.

General information about when this test is indicated: 

Cases of abortion. The test is useful in fetal fluids and maternal sera to indicate exposure to Toxoplasma. A serological titre is generated by the test.

Comparison with other related tests: Histopathology of fetal tissues and placenta help clarify if toxoplasma infection is the cause of abortion.