Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in primigravida women in Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2004

East Mediterr Health J. 2008 Jan-Feb;14(1):163-71.

Abstract

We determined the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in 576 primigravid women randomly selected from health houses in Hamadan. The relationship between positivity and some risk factors was assessed. Data were collected by questionnaire and blood samples examined for Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test. Of the 576 women, 193 (33.5%) were positive for Toxoplasma antibodies (titre > or = 1:20). Age, consumption of fresh undercooked meat and frequent consumption of raw vegetables were statistically significantly associated with higher infection rates. Educational level, touching cats, handling raw meat, farming, method of washing vegetables and consumption of raw milk and eggs were not associated with infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cooking
  • Educational Status
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Food Handling
  • Gravidity
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / blood
  • Toxoplasmosis / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / transmission

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan