Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in high school girls in Bushehr city, South-west of Iran, 2009

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease prevalent all over the world and it's causal agent is Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is very important in pregnant women. Seroepidemiological survey of toxoplasmosis in young girls before marriage for identifying non immune girls could be used to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis. A seroepidemiological study of toxoplasma IgG-antibody in 516 high school girls was conducted. Sample cases were chosen randomly from public high school girls. Blood samples were collected and the obtained sera were examined for anti toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by using ELISA method. Prevalence of toxoplasmosis in high school girls in Bushehr city was 22.1%. There was significant correlation between seropositivity of toxoplasma antibodies and factors such as, contact with cat, raw milk consumption, raw vegetables consumption and food consumption habits, but there was no significant correlation between seropositivity and availability of drinking water, keeping pet and information about toxoplasmosis. About 78% of high school girls in Bushehr city were seronegative in toxoplasma IgG antibody. It is recommended to the health managers to design the educational measures and develop the serological tests for identifying the non immune girls before marriage to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.