Toxoplasma antibody prevalence among healthy adults in United Arab Emirates

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish baseline data on the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and to assess some inherent and environmental risk factors that may be associated with toxoplasmosis among healthy adults in United Arab Emirates. Method: A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was carried out in department of Preventive Medicine Blood screening unit, and Blood Banks at the Tawam and Al Ain Hospital during the period between January - May 1995, Two stage sampling technique was performed. Stratification allowed both urban and rural areas to be proportionally represented. Automated ELISA IgG commercial kits were used to test for seropositivity. One thousand and two hundred cases were available for study. Anti-toxoplasma antibodies tests were performed on 933 subjects. Results: The overall IgG seropositivity rate was 34% with no significant rate difference between the two sample centres, There was a trend of increasing seropositivity with age(p<0.05). There was a significant association between nationality and seropositivity (p<0.0001) and between occupation and seropositivity (p<0.03). Sex and domicile had no significant effect. Conclusion: Present results showed a wide variation seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection among different nationality groups in United Arab Emirates. These findings may have relations to the different environmental, cultural and hygienic factors prevalent in their place of origin.