Abstract
BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a parasitic infectious disease, and Toxoplasma gondii is the causative factor of this intracellular protozoan disease. Due to the lack of information about the rate of T. gondii in general papulation of Markazi Province in Iran, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the related risk factor analysis in the general population of Markazi Province.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed within 6 months on individuals who were referred to diagnostic laboratories in Markazi Province. The demographic and background information of the subjects were collected using a questionnaire. Three milliliters of blood samples was collected from the participants under sterile conditions. The sera were separated and evaluated for levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.ResultsOut of 824 people from the general population of Markazi Province who were investigated in this study, 276 (33.5%) had anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in their blood. According to the logistic regression model, gender variables, location, marital status, and having a cat at home do not affect the chances of contracting the parasite. Furthermore, the chance of contracting the parasite in 41- to 50-year-olds is 0.85 times the one in the 20- to 30-year-olds. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in men and women in Markazi Province was 33% and 34.5%, respectively.ConclusionThe mean prevalence of T. gondii infection in the age groups of 20-40, and ≥ 40 years was estimated to be 24.7%, and 40.8%, respectively. These rates were significantly lower than the national results (44%, and 55%, respectively). Therefore, regarding to the health authorities, it is necessary to raise the level of awareness of people of the region, especially at-risk groups about the transmittance and prevention methods, and infection risk factors in order to prevent the occurrence of T. gondii infection and reduce the prevalence and incidence of the disease.
Highlights
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an intracellular protozoan with widespread global distribution and it is estimated that one-third of the world’s adult population to be infected with the parasite [1].The infection can occur through consumption of the oocyst-contaminated food, water or raw meat products containing parasite cysts as well as mother-to-the fetus infection
Sampling and sociodemographic assessment This cross-sectional study was performed within 6 months on individuals who referred to laboratories affiliated with Arak University of Medical Sciences, in Markazi Province
The results indicated that the seroprevalence rate was 70% and there was no significant difference between men and women in the prevalence of T. gondii infection [24]
Summary
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an intracellular protozoan with widespread global distribution and it is estimated that one-third of the world’s adult population to be infected with the parasite [1].The infection can occur through consumption of the oocyst-contaminated food, water or raw meat products containing parasite cysts as well as mother-to-the fetus infection. Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an intracellular protozoan with widespread global distribution and it is estimated that one-third of the world’s adult population to be infected with the parasite [1]. 10–30% of new toxoplasmosis infections in humans cause clinical symptoms. Symptoms may range from subclinical lymphadenopathy to the fatal central nervous system disease as well as other pathologies in immunodeficient patients. Some symptoms such as seizures and mental retardation may occur [4]. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infectious disease, and Toxoplasma gondii is the causative factor of this intracellular protozoan disease. Due to the lack of information about the rate of T. gondii in general papulation of Markazi Province in Iran, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the related risk factor analysis in the general population of Markazi Province
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