Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Women of Reproductive Age in Northeast Iran

Mitra  Salehi; Akbar  Solati; Shrare  Gholizad; Nasim  Khajavian; Jafar  Hajavi

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20460

Mitra Salehi Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Akbar Solati Department of English, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Shrare Gholizad Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gona-bad, Iran
Nasim Khajavian Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Jafar Hajavi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20460

Keywords: Toxoplasma; Prevalence; Women; Iran

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in Gonabad City, northeastern Iran, to assess the prevalence of infection and identify associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022 in Gonabad, Khorasan Razavi Province, northeastern Iran. A total of 320 blood samples were collected from consenting women of reproductive age. Each participant provided 5 mL of blood for serological analysis to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. Demographic and behavioral data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of participants was 29.74 ± 10.9 years. Of the 320 samples, 58 (18.12%) tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, while 1 (0.3%) tested positive for IgM antibodies. In addition, 81.9% of participants were seronegative. No significant associations were observed between anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and marital status, education level, vegetable washing practices, egg cooking methods, milk consumption, or fertility status. However, significant correlations were found between seropositivity and contact with cats (P= 0.01) and meat consumption (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: The majority of women of childbearing age in Gonabad remain susceptible to T. gondii infection, highlighting the risk of primary infection during pregnancy. To mitigate the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis, serological screening for Toxoplasma infection is recommended for women of childbearing age, coupled with targeted health education on transmission routes and preventive measures.