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

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 MSc Student, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Lecturer, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences,Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran

4 Labs’ Affairs Office, Treatment Deputy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

5 Rajai Training and Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

6 Associate Professor, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center AND Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 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


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