| Eight pregnant mixed breed bitches, serologically negative for Toxoplasma gondii, were divided into three groups. Group I : bitches 01 and 02 (1.0 x 10(7) tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, subcutaneous route); Group II: bitches 03, 04 and 05 (1.5 x 10(4) oocysts, oral route); Group III: bitches 06, 07 and 08 (as control). Clinical and obstetric examinations were conducted twice a day on each bitch, and weekly ultra-sonografic evaluations were performed until the end of pregnancy. From the 2nd day the bitches presented clinical alterations such as fever, nasal flowing, lachrymation, prostration, lymphadenopathy, premature parturition, abortion and fetal death. In Group I, Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from the bitches urine (day 10) and saliva (day 18).... |
