Serological and parasitological survey of blood donors in Kenya for toxoplasmosis

Abstract

322 samples of sera from blood donors in four areas of Kenya were screened for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by haemagglutination and 54% proved positive. 299 of these were also tested by dye test and 42% were positive, with 5·9% showing high titres indicating possible active infection. Parasitological examination of the buffy coat from donors was also carried out on 100 samples but no Toxoplasma parasites were seen in spite of high antibody incidence. There appears to be little or no clinical toxoplasmosis in Kenya but serological studies indicate a widespread distribution of the parasite in the human population.