Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center for pre-marriage examinations

Abstract Background: Fetus in a pregnant woman is at high risk of congenital toxoplasmosis if the first exposure to Toxoplasma gondii occurs during pregnancy. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in pre-marriage females can reflect the high risk group in population. Objective: To identify the seropositivity rate of T. gondii in females referred to laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. Methods: This was a descriptive study performed on 400 pre-marriage females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center in 2001. Indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody titer in sera of the study population. IgG-IFA 1:20 was considered as positive. Findings: The overall seropositivity rate was 34%. Mean age of seropositive females was significantly higher than in seronegative cases (P<0.02). Seropositivity rate was indicative of a significant negative correlation with education (P<0.03). There was no meaningful difference between the rural and urban residents, statistically. Conclusion: Based on data found in our study, emphasis on educational program for women at their pre-marriage ages to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis is suggested.