Diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis
Trees, A.J.; al-Atiya, S.A.; Balfour, A.H.
Veterinary Record 123(21): 554
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3206808 Document Number: 317405
The results of testing 478 lamb foetal fluid samples for Toxoplasma antibody using the latex agglutination test (LAT), the modified agglutination test (MAT), the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the dye test (DT) were compared. Samples were screened at 1:16 dilution and for the MAT also at 1:4000. The percentage positive for each test was MAT 40.4%, DT 40%, IFAT 37.4% and LAT 29%. A large number of samples were uniquely positive by the MAT (21 samples) or by the DT (23). The percentage agreement between MAT and DT was 86%, between MAT and LAT was 87%, MAT and IFAT was 92%, DT and IFAT was 92% and DT and LAT was 86%. The LAT never gave a positive reaction without at least one other test also being positive. A positive result in the LAT appears to indicate the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies but negative samples should be subjected to an additional test. The MAT should be carried out at 2 dilutions. Some false positives may occur with the MAT and DT. The IFAT appears to be the single most reliable test.