Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the Rural Population of Qaemshahr, Northern Iran in 2019

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan. It infects approximately one-third of the world’s population. This study was conducted to determine anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) in rural population Qaemshahr, northern Iran, 2019. Methods: Serum samples 350 individuals referred laboratories health centers were collected from February April 2019 assessed for using ELISA kits (Pishtazteb, Iran). The results analyzed chi-square test. Results: Totally, 296 (84.57%, 95% CI: 80.07%-88.2%) out serum positive IgG antibody. There significant correlation between seropositivity antibody age (P=0.000), contact with soil job. None IgM No association observed seroprevalence T. gender, cat other animals, ingestion undercooked meat, non-chlorinated water, egg, raw milk vegetables. Conclusions: Results showed that prevalence toxoplasmosis much higher among than those previously reported areas Iran. Therefore, efforts should be focused on public education reduce risk transmission especially high-risk groups this region.