The Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies in Serum Samples Referred to Educational Hospitals of Abadan

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate apicomplexan parasite and it is stated that one-third of the world population are seropositive for the antibodies against the parasite. The purpose of this study is to determine the sero-prevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in serums of patients referred to educational hospitals of Abadan, southwest Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 252 serum samples referred to Taleghani and Beheshti hospitals were investigated in 2022. The serum of patients were evaluated for anti-toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. A questionnaire containing demographic information and risk factors related to Toxoplasma gondii infection was completed by each patient. P value under 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Findings: Among 252 evaluated serums, 100 cases (39.7) and 7 cases (2.8) had IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, the difference was statistically significant. The sero-prevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were significantly higher in patients’ serums who had contact with cats and dogs and who consumed under cooked meat. Conclusion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin in the serum of patients referred to Abadan hospitals, more attention should be paid for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this high-risk group. © 2022 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.