seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infections in pregnant women in gorgan city, golestan province, northern iran-2012.

background: toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent parasites of human and warm- blooded animals. toxoplasmosis is important especially in two groups: pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. if women acquire the primary infection during the pregnancy, it would be life threatening or re-mains severe disorders for the fetus. this study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of t. gondii infection in pregnant women referred to health cen-ter in gorgan city, golestan province, northern iran. methods: serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred to health center in gorgan city, south eastern caspian sea. anti- toxoplasma igg and igm antibodies were determined by commercially elisa kits and the rela-tion of infection with socio-demographic and risk factors such as age, education, occupation, cat ownership, soil contact and some other factors was studied. results: from 555 tested sera of pregnant women referred to health center in gorgan, 39.8% had igg antibodies against t. gondii and 3.4% were positive for igm antibodies. a significant correlation was seen between t. gondii infection with age and soil contact. conclusion: about 60% of pregnant women in gorgan city are seronegative against t. gondii , so they should considered as at risk persons.