Seropositivity rates for Bartonella henselae, Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii in New Zealand blood donors

Abstract

Background: Bartonella henselae, Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii organisms can all cause vision-threatening posterior segment disease. Diagnosis relies heavily on clinical findings, but detection of antibodies in the patient's serum may be helpful in some cases. The significance of a positive serology result depends on the seroprevalence in the general population. Seroprevalence rates for these organisms vary widely around the world and this study aimed to determine the rates for a New Zealand population.

Methods: One hundred and forty healthy blood donors from the Waikato region in the North Island of New Zealand had their serum tested using an indirect latex agglutination test for detection of T. gondii antibodies, an indirect immunofluorescent assay for B. henselae antibodies and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for T. canis antibodies.

Results: Seropositivity rates for T. canis, T. gondii and B. henselae in this New Zealand population were 0.7 +/- 1.65%, 42.9 +/- 8.12% and 5 +/- 3.61%, respectively.

Conclusion: Seropositivity rates for T. gondii and B. henselae in New Zealand are similar to rates reported in some other countries; however, T. canis seroprevalence may be lower than reported elsewhere in the world.