Seroepidemiology of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect 33% of blood donors worldwide, and seroprevalence varies widely between countries. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in blood donors from Western Romania. Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 1347 healthy blood donors. Risk factors for T. gondii infection were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 45.9%, with a significant age-associated increase (p T. gondii seroprevalence decreased with increasing level of education, from 64.3% in individuals who graduated from elementary/middle school to 40.4% in those who graduated from University (p T. gondii infection. Conclusions: This study brings new and valuable data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in Romania. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in blood donors and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies that should lead to implementation of prevention programs for toxoplasmosis.

Keywords

• <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>
• antibodies
• seroprevalence
• risk factors
• epidemiology
• blood donors