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.

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 in woman with no immunity. This study was performed to evaluate the seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women referring to health center Laboratories of Bojnurd in 2013. Methods& Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 211 blood samples were collected from pregnant women. Sera were separated and were tested for IgG & IgM antibody by ELISA test. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software and presented with chi-square test Results : Out of the 211 samples, 65(30.8%) were positive for T. gondii IgG antibodies and with 3(1.4%) woman positive for IgM. The results show that exposure or keeping cat, increases risk of infection. Also, no significant correlation between the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, the way of washing, unclean vegetables and level of antibodies were seen. Conclusion : The rate of IgG positive was low and it seems that, before pregnancy and marital status, education and control for toxoplasmosis is important