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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Childbearing age
• Iran
• prevalence
• toxoplasmosis
• women