A master’s thesis at the University of Basrah has examined the immunological and genetic mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats.
Conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, the study—entitled “Immunological and Molecular Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Cats and Their Human Handlers”—investigated the epidemiological patterns of infection among cats and individuals in close contact with them.
The thesis, submitted by Haneen Ali, aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and to analyze the immunological and genetic mechanisms that enable the parasite to persist in a latent state within the host without causing evident tissue damage.
The research adopted an advanced laboratory methodology that integrated rapid antibody testing (IgG/IgM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of immune cytokines, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to assess the gene expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and BFD1. This comprehensive approach sought to elucidate the molecular basis of the host immune response to infection.
Department of Media and Government Communication
