Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana.
About 20-90% of the world's population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection 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. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47.0 years consisting of 118 (30.%) males and 272 (69.7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 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 between Toxoplasma seropositivity 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 of Toxoplasma oocysts.
Department of Optometry,School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast,Ghana.
E K
EK
Abu
Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences,School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast,Ghana.
J N
JN
Boampong
Department of Parasitology,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana,Ghana.
I
I
Ayi
Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences,School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast,Ghana.
G
G
Ghartey-Kwansah
Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences,School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast,Ghana.
R
R
Afoakwah
Department of Chemical Pathology,School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast,Ghana.
P
P
Nsiah
Department of Parasitology,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana,Ghana.
E
E
Blay
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D055815:Young Adult
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M
ELISA; Toxoplasma gondii; parasite; seropositivity