Animal exposures and antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in a university population

To determine the risk of toxoplasma infection to individuals exposed to cats in a research institution, we compared the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies with exposure to cats in university employees. Of 116 employees tested, 42 (36 percent) had toxoplasma antibodies as determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Women and individuals aged 35 years or more had a greater prevalence of antibodies. The antibody prevalence by occupation was 72.1 percent for physicians and those with doctorates, 45.3 percent for animal and veterinary technicians, 33.3 percent for research technicians, 28.2 percent for administrative staff, 25.0 percent for graduate students and fellows, and 13.4 percent for veterinarians. There was no significant positive association between exposure to cats and the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies. A follow-up of seronegative employees, 6 and 18 months later, revealed no seroconversions indicative of acute toxoplasma infection. We concluded that there was no significant risk of toxoplasma infection in university employees exposed to cats.