Frequency of Anti- Toxoplasma Antibodies in Midwifery and Nursing Students of Abadan Islamic AzadUniversity Students in 2011

Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection among humans and animals، with worldwide prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in midwifery and nursing students. In the present cross-sectional study conducted in 2011، 240 students were randomly selected. Then، 5 ml of blood sample was collected from each student. After centrifugation، the blood serum were detected and tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA. The collected data was analyzed by chi-square test. The frequency of anti- Toxoplasma (IgG، IgM) antibodies in all students were 11. 67% and 12. 08% respectively. This frequency for midwifery students were 11. 67% and 10. 84، and in nursing students were 11. 67% and 13. 33% respectively. Seven cases (2. 92%) were positive for both IgG and IgM and 2 cases were positive for IgG، and IgM was on the borderline. Between positive antibodies and factors such as drinking water، consumption of meat products، vegetables and cats holding no significant association was seen (p <0. 05) The results of this study indicated that 78. 92% of the students were sero- negative and at high risk of infection. Due to the age of these students، they should be instructed to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.