Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the Rural Population of Qaemshahr, Northern Iran in ۲۰۱۹

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellularprotozoan. It infects approximately one-third of the world’s population. This study was conducted to determinethe anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) in the rural population of Qaemshahr, northern Iran, in ۲۰۱۹.Methods: Serum samples of ۳۵۰ individuals referred to the laboratories of the rural health centers in Qaemshahr,northern Iran, were collected from February to April ۲۰۱۹ and were assessed for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgGand IgM) using the ELISA kits (Pishtazteb, Iran). The results were analyzed using the chi-square test.Results: Totally, ۲۹۶ (۸۴.۵۷%, ۹۵% CI: ۸۰.۰۷%-۸۸.۲%) out of ۳۵۰ serum samples were positive for anti-T.gondii IgG antibody. There was a significant correlation between seropositivity of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodyand age (P=۰.۰۰۰), contact with soil (P=۰.۰۰۰), and job. None of the samples were positive for anti-T. gondiiIgM antibody. No significant association was observed between the seroprevalence of T. gondii and thegender, contact with the cat and other animals, and ingestion of undercooked meat, non-chlorinated water,undercooked egg, raw milk and vegetables.Conclusions: Results of the study showed that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was much higher among therural individuals in Qaemshahr, northern Iran, than those previously reported from other areas of Iran. Therefore,efforts should be focused on public health education to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission especiallyin the high-risk groups in this region.