Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Isfahan province, central Iran: A population based study

Abstract

• BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection. Most studies on toxoplasmosis are in women in child bearing ages. We conducted an epidemiological survey on the population of the Isfahan Province to identify characteristics of the individuals associated with seropositivity.
• METHODS: In a cross sectional study, 599 serum samples were randomly collected for seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A and E, and were also used for titration of IgG anti-toxoplasma gondii antibody by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Data were analyzed using SPSS software₁₅. Chi square and Fisher exact tests were employed to examine antibody status in different age, gender, education and residency groups.
• RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 41.4% (248/599). There was a statistical significant association between seroprevalence with age, education and gender (p < 0.05) but not with residency state. The peak age for acquisition of the infection in females was 20-29 and in males 20-39 years old.
• CONCLUSIONS: Results of current study showed a moderate prevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection. However higher seroconversion rate in active social and reproductive ages, females and low educated individuals necessitate active preventive programs in these high risk groups.
• KEYWORDS: Epidemiology, Toxoplasmosis, Isfahan, Iran, Population based study, Immunoassay.