Serological Evidence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii in Gorgan and a Review of Recent Studies in Golestan Province

Background and purpose: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans and other vertebrates worldwide. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and associated risk factors in individuals attending a Reference Laboratory in Gorgan, Iran. Moreover, recent studies in Golestan province were reviewed. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 551 blood samples obtained from February-June 2017. Serum samples were isolated and examined for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using ELISA. Data were analyzed in SPSS applying logistic regression. Results: Total prevalence of T. gondii was 63.5% (350 out of 551). Among the samples, 306 (55.5%), 12 (2.17%), and 32 (5.8%) were found to be positive for IgG, IgM and both IgG and IgM against T. gondii, respectively. There were significant associations between T. gondii infection and age and soil contact (P< 0.05). However, no significant correlation was observed between T. gondii infection and sex, living area, level of education, occupation, etc (P>0.05). Conclusion: About two thirds of individuals were infected with T. gondii. Accordingly, a high number of subjects have been exposed to T. gondii in this area, which their seropositivity was seen to increase by age as a risk factor. High seropositivity indicates appropriate conditions for the life cycle of the parasite in this province. Therefore, preventive measurements at the community level, particularly in high-risk groups, are warranted.