Study of Serological Toxoplasmosis and Risk Factors Associated with Infection in Women Referred to Labs of Northern Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. In pregnant women with toxoplasmosis, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus, causing severe complications. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in women of reproductive age in Tehran, Iran, to provide detailed information for health authorities regarding the prevention and control of the disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2013, completion of the questionnaires was done and blood samples were collected from 300 women of 18-40 years of age. Levels of IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and the risk factors cited in questionnaires were also analyzed. Findings: Among 300 studied sera, 85 (28.3%) cases were positive for IgG, 4 (1.3%) for IgM and 3 (1%) for both classes. There were no significant relationship between toxoplasmosis and factors such as employment, education, eating raw meat and vegetables and contact with cats (chi-square test); but there was a significant relationship between toxoplasmosis and age (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.04). Conclusion: 70.4 percent of selected women in the study were seronegative. It is necessary to avoid the risk factors during and before the pregnancy for women via health education.

Keywords

• Toxoplasma gondii
• Toxoplasmosis
• IgM
• IgG
• Risk factor