SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES AMONG VETERINARY STAFF FROM A VETERINARY DEPARTMENT IN TRANSYLVANIA

Abstract

Background and Aims : Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite Toxoplasma gondii that spreads from animals to humans, veterinarians being at high risk for this zoonotic disease. The risk is more dangerous for women because this infection is embryotoxic. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 59 veterinary doctors (40 males and 19 women), age average 42,9 ± 10.4 years , in order to assess their risk through occupational exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. A special medical questionnaire was individualy applied regarding occupational and medical history, past and actual animal exposure, work-related symptoms and diseases. Clinical examination was performed and Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using ELISA method. Results : No symptoms and signes suggesting an actual or past toxoplasmosis were found, in medical history no diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was mentioned. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 45,8% and of IgM antibodies was 1,7% among all analized samples. IgM titres exceeding 250 UI/ml in 29,6% of the Ig G positive samples were found. Males doctors had a higher seropositivity prevalence (50%) as compare to women doctors (36,8%). The group aged up 40 years had a higher seroprevalence (56,25%) as compare to the group aged under 40 years (33,3%). Conclusions : This findings suggest that veterinary doctors are at high risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis during their occupational activity, the degree of risk being related with increase of age, length of activity and in male doctors.