Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection among Young Couples in the Verge of Marriage in Yazd, 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of parasitic infections in humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates that have worldwide spread. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean level of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM in young couples in the verge of marriage attending marriage preparation programs in Yazd Counseling Center, 2017. Methods: In this study, 200 couples, who referred to Yazd Health Center were randomly selected. Samples were taken from the statistical populations and the presence of Toxoplasmosis infection was investigated in them. Later, the results were evaluated with specific IgM and IgG antibody kits and the data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software. Results: Of a total of 200 Young Couples, 100 girls and 100 boys were studied, 25 girls (25%) showed positive results for IgG and 75 (75%) had negative results. In 6 boys (6%), IgM was positive and in 94 (94%) boys the results were negative. IgM was positive and negative in 4 (4%) and 96 (96%) girls, respectively. Regarding IgG, 12 (12%) and 88 (88%) girls showed positive and negative results, respectively. No significant relationship was found between hair loss (0.614), job (0.470), level of education (p = 0.488), blood group (p = 0.618), and p = 0.663. Conclusions: The prevalence of Toxoplasma infection is lower among young couples in the verge of marriage compared to similar studies. No significant relationship was observed in the main factors, such as keeping cats as pet; however, the prevalence of Toxoplasmosis infection was higher in people with lower education.