The first seroprevalence and molecular detection of toxoplasmosis infecting cats in Jordan with associated risk factors.

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious zoonotic disease transmitted by feline. It has been previously studied in human and other farm animals in Jordan but never in cates. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and May 2023, in various regions of Jordan to assess Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats using both serologic and molecular techniques. A total of 368 blood and fecal samples were collected from pet, stray, feral, and shelter-residing cats. Serological testing via indirect ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.1 % (41/368; 95 % CI: 8.3 %-14.77 %), with a true prevalence estimated at 11.08 %. PCR analysis targeting the surface antigen 3 (SAG3) gene identified an active infection rate of 32.88 % (121/368; 95 % CI: 28.2 %-37.8 %). Combining both diagnostic methods (considering either ELISA or PCR results) yielded a total infection rate of 40.5 % (149/368; 95 % CI: 36 %-46 %), with 4 % (13/368, 95 % CI: 0.02 %-0.06 %) tested positive on both assays. Seroprevalence varied by group: 18 % in pet, 9 % in stray, 8 % in feral, and 13 % in shelter-residing cats, with pet cats significantly more likely to be seropositive than feral cats (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression of PCR results identified deworming status and living conditions as significant risk factors; dewormed cats were 2.15 times more likely to test PCR-positive (OR = 2.15; 95 % CI: 1.172-3.965) compared with non- dewormed cats, and stray cats had 2.54 times higher odds compared to shelter-residing cats (OR = 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.12-5.778; p < 0.05). Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of the type III CEP strain of T. gondii, underscoring the zoonotic risk and need for ongoing surveillance in regions with high cat ownership.