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Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection is embryotoxic in humans. It is mainly transmitted through raw/undercooked meat and ingestion of oocysts in cat feces. There remains controversy about the actual risk of cats transmitting the disease to humans. Our primary objective was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibody among veterinary staff, to ascertain whether they have an increased risk through occupational exposure. Our secondary objective was to examine their practices regarding cats, toxoplasma infection, and pregnancy. Methods: Veterinary staff attending the 2002 Annual Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Conference were invited to discuss their toxoplasma seroprevalence. Interested attendees completed a questionnaire and a physician drew blood samples to determine T. gondii titres using the ELISA IgG test. Results: We collected 161 completed questionnaires, and 141 blood samples. There were 20 (14.2%, CI95%:8.4-19.9%) reactive titres among the veterinarian staff (80% females aged 30-45). All were regularly exposed to cats, washed their hands when in contact and few wore gloves routinely. Conclusions: These findings of low positive rates may be used to reassure veterinary staff that their exposure to cats does not appear to increase their risk of contracting toxoplasma infection and that pregnant women are not at an increased risk by owning a cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine pediatric reference ranges for zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)., Design and Methods: The study was conducted in a large pediatric hospital on patient blood specimens (n = 6,478) (0-17 y) accrued from January 2001 to June 2002. The data was analyzed employing the Hoffman approach, which was computer adapted., Results and Conclusions: The 2.5(th) and 97.5(th) percentiles for children age 0 to 12 months were 9 to 40 microg/dL (16.6-73.6 micromol/mol heme) for female subjects and 8.5 to 34.5 microg/dL (15.6-63.5 micromol/mol heme) for males. The 97.5(th) percentiles decreased for the 13 to 24 months age group for females (32 microg/dL) (58.9 micromol/mol heme). There was a significant decrease in the 97.5(th) percentile for zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations for the 5 to 9 yr age group, the 97.5(th) percentile being 30 microg/dL (55.2 micromol/mol heme) in both genders, which increased to 33.5 microg/dL (61.6 micromol/mol heme) in the 10 to 17 yr female age group but not for the males (31.5 microg/dL) (58.0 micromol/mol heme). The highest medians were 25.5 microg/dL (46.9 micromol/mol heme) for females, and 21.5 microg/dL (39.6 micromol/mol heme) for males in the 0 to 12 months age group.