Seroepidemiology and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis in High School Girls of Ilam in the Year 2012

Toxoplasmosis is a common infection among humans and animals. The disease is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The prevalence of this infection depends on the weather conditions, dietary habits, and exposure to cats. This infection maylead to abortion, preterm labor and congenital anomalies in pregnant women. The present study is a descriptive cross – sectional study, which has been performed in order to determine the IgG antibody against toxoplasma in high-school girl students. In this study, 260 blood samples were randomly collected from the girl students in the high schools of Ilam in the year 2012. They were tested using the indirect immunofluorescence method. In this study, a questionnaire was developed and presented to the considered population and the information like previous histories of eating underdone and roasted meat, exposure to cats, and place of residency were collected. In addition, the data were analyzed by SPSS softwareand chi-square test. The prevalence rate of IgG antibody among these students was 21.1%. Chi-square test showed that there is a significant relationship between infectionand eating underdone and roasted meat (P>0.002). Considering the low levels ofanti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in high school girls, and non-immunity in pregnancy and the parasites’irreparable effects on the fetus, it is essential to provide the necessary training before pregnancy to reduce the risks andproblems.