Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & objectives : Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which can infect human and animals. Acquired toxoplasmosis can lead to fetal infection, which may ultimately result in loss of fetus or lesion in brain and eyes. This study was performed to evaluate the seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis in female students of North Khorasan university of medical sciences, Bojnurd. Materiall & Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, provided blood samples from 215 female students reside in dormitory, with informed consent and completed a questionnaire, IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii-specific antibodies were determined by ELISA method. Results and data were analyzed with SPSS software and presented with chi-square test and regression. Results : Out of the 215 samples, 44 were positive for T. gondii IgG antibodies and with no positive for IgM. Also a significant relationship between cats owner and IgG antibody levels were found (p =0.01). Also, no significant correlation between the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, vegetables and washing of upright and level of antibodies was positive. Conclusion : The rate of IgG positive was low and it seems that, before pregnancy and marital status, education and control for toxoplasmosis is important.