The prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in subjects involved in meat industry and pregnant women in Kashan

Toxoplasmosis is a disease with various prevalence among different society groups. The present study was conducted with the aim determining the prevalence of acute and chronic infections as well as toxoplasma gondii antibody in pregnant women and those who are involved in the meat industry in Kashan in 2001. The study population included 300 males and 340 females aged 14-70 years selecting through a simple random sampling. Initial data including age, sex, occupation, place of living, previous history of contact with cat, dietary habits, gestational age, previous history of abortion and clinical manifestations were all recorded. 5cc venous blood was obtained and antibodies were determined in dilutions of 1:20 and 1:100 by IFA. Positive samples were evaluated by ELISA at titer of 1:200. Meanwhile, ANA evaluation was conducted for positive samples. Titer of 1:20 was considered as positive, however, titer of 1:400 was valuable. Toxoplasma gondii was found in 54.2% of whom, 15% had IgM antibody and the others the IgG antibody. Subjects aged 60-70 years have shown greater infection (75%). Males’ and females’ infection rate were 46.7% and 61%, respectively. Titer of? 1:200 was reported in 40.2%. Infected males working in the meat industry were 200-fold more susceptible than normal subjects to the usage of non-completely cooked meats (P<0.0001). The prevalence of toxoplasma gondii is high in Kashan. With respect to its complications and the high costs of serologic screening methods, educational programs are highly suggested, especially for those at risk.