Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Kermanshah City, west of Iran

Abstract

It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the latest status of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in the general population and pregnant women in the west of Iran. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Accordingly, data associated with serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis, age, sex, anti-toxoplasmosis IgG and IgM, and pregnancy status in women were collected from 6 health centers of Kermanshah City, the west of Iran, during 2016-2017. In total, 1228 people referred to the health centers in Kermanshah City. Of 1228 people, 359 (29.23) individuals were seropositive for toxoplasmosis, of them 294 (81.89) individuals were seropositive only for IgG, and 65 (18.11) individuals were both IgG and IgM seropositive. The seropositivity in men was 29.3 (n = 63), in women was 29.2 (n = 296), and in pregnant women was 25.9 (n = 44). All individuals were examined using ELISA kit. This study showed that the prevalence of this disease in the west of Iran has been decreased in comparison with the previous studies. Therefore, regular epidemiological studies of in different regions seem to be necessary in order to conclude on the decrease or increase trend of this disease in an area.