Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a healthy population from Slovakia

Abstract 

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasite of warm-blooded animals that causes one of the most common parasitic infections in humans. Toxoplasmosis is not a frequently reported disease and its prevalence is based on regional studies.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in a non-endemic area among 508 healthy individuals in Slovakia. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies. Epidemiological factors and clinical symptoms associated with seropositivity were investigated using questionnaires.

Results

An IgG antibody prevalence of 24.2% (123/508) was found in the study population, while examination of specific IgA and IgM antibodies was negative. A significant increase in toxoplasmosis prevalence with increasing age was confirmed (p=0.001). There were no significant differences between genders or between inhabitants of rural and urban areas (p=0.079 and p=0.291, respectively). An increased consumption of raw meat (40.7%) and raw vegetables or fruit (30.8%) was observed in serologically positive women. This difference between serologically positive and negative women was significant (p=0.042). A significant difference between men and women eating raw vegetables and fruit was also found (p=0.049). There was no difference in clinical symptoms between serologically positive and negative patients (p=0.658). Lymphadenopathy with or without other symptoms (influenza, arthralgia, ocular symptom, dermatosis), 40.7%, was the most common clinical symptom in seropositive patients.

Conclusion

An increased prevalence of T. gondii was observed in the age group over 40 years and in women who consume raw meat, vegetables, or fruit.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis, Seroprevalence, Antibodies, Risk factor