Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in unmarried women in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran

East Mediterr Health J. 2010 Jan;16(1):24-8.

Abstract

In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 400 women referred to Qazvin community health centre laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to detect IgG anti-toxoplasma. Titres > or = 1: 20 were considered positive. The overall seropositivity was 34%. Mean age was significantly higher in seropositive women (P < 0.05). Seropositivity was highest among unemployed women (38.3%) and lowest among students (22.6%), and was significantly higher in women with less than high-school education (P < 0.05). With two-thirds of these unmarried women seronegative, they represent a high-risk group in pregnancy. Such women need to be educated to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Premarital Examinations
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Single Person / education
  • Single Person / statistics & numerical data*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / blood
  • Toxoplasmosis / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / prevention & control
  • Women* / education

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin G