title: Seroepidemiological study of toxoplasmosis in southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
abstract: The current study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated socio-demographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics in and around Tirunelveli. Serum samples from 175 immunodeficient and 175 immunocompetent patients were collected and were analyzed by in-house enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A questionnaire survey was administered for all study participants to gather information on risk factors. The present study revealed that anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 13.14 % which constitutes 15.43 % in immunocompromised and 10.86 % in immunocompetent patients. There was a significant difference between sex of the study population and drinking water source. Seroprevalence was increased in the male (19.12 %, p = 0.0075, OR 2.316, 95 % CI 1.2362-4.3405) than the female and with river water consumption other than bore water (12.5 %, p = 0.0483, OR 0.857, 95 % CI 0.1853-3.4641). No significant relations were observed between anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and age, residence, diet and animal contact in the study population. Toxoplasmosis will remain a problem, mainly in risk groups such as pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Improvement can only be attained by increasing prevention and reducing the risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli, 627 011 Tamil Nadu India.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sucilathangam
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tirunelveli, 627 001 Tamil Nadu India.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Anna
keywords: Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Risk factors; Seroprevalence; Tamil Nadu; Toxoplasma gondii