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

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 software 15 . 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

Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age of Isfahan, Iran: A population-based study

Background: We conducted an epidemiological survey on seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in women of childbearing age in Isfahan Province. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2010, 217 women in the age range of 10-50 years were randomly selected. The blood samples examined for the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody by a commercial ELISA kit (Dia-Pro, Milan, Italy). Chi-square and Fisher′s exact tests were employed to examine the antibody status in different age, marriage, education, and residence groups. Results: The overall prevalence was 47.5% (103/217). The peak age of infection acquisition was in the range 30-40 years in rural areas and 20-30 years in urban districts. There was no significant association between residence, education, and marriage groups on the one hand and chance of T. gondii infection on the other hand. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest a moderate prevalence of T. gondii infection, but a high prevalence in ages of high reproductive activities