Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity forToxoplasma gondiiin a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

Abstract

SUMMARYAbout 20–90% of the world's population has had contact withToxoplasma gondiiparasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated withT. gondiiinfection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-ToxoplasmaIgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47·0 years consisting of 118 (30·3%) males and 272 (69·7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence ofT. gondiiwas 85% (333/390) where fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship betweenToxoplasmaseropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival ofToxoplasmaoocysts.