Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among children in rural areas of Maraveh-tapeh district in Golestan Province

Background and

Toxoplasma is one of the most common infections among humans and animals. The prevalence of Toxoplasma infection is different in regions according to geographical conditions، habits and history of contact with cats. The present study aims to determine the seroepidemiology of toxoplasma in among children in rural areas of Maraveh- tapeh in Golestan province.

This cross-sectional study was carried out throught 2012. Blood samples was taken from children in rural areas of Maraveh- tapeh including Gook dare، Post dare، Arab gare-Haji، Pachoqhly. Serum samples were tested by IgG-ELISA and IgM-ELISA. The data were registered and then analyzed by SPSS software

A total of 340 subjects، 168 (49. 4%) was male and 172 (50. 6%) was female. The range of age was between 6 months to 12 years old. Twelve subjects (3. 5 %) were positive for IgG anti-toxoplasma by ElISA. The highest seroprevalence rate was detected in 6-12 years old age. Additionally none positive case of IgM anti-toxoplasma was detected.

Our results showed that increasing anti-toxoplasma antibody titers along with age. It could be offered raising awareness regard the disease and its consequences for individuals and society on the one hand the change in dietary habits and health principles adhered to toxoplasmosis، the disease rate.