SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF HUMAN TOXOPLASMOSIS IN ERBIL, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ

Authors

Dhary Alewy Almashhadany Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
Abdulmunem Dherar Abdullah Aljoborey Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
Jiyan Ali Omar Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Iraq

Human toxoplasmosis, T. gondii, seroprevalence, risk factors.

Introduction: This study aimed at the detection of anti-Toxoplasma. gondii antibodies in human blood

samples using immunological tests and to investigate the potential risk factors. Methods: Five hundred

and twenty samples were collected from individuals aged between 10 to 71 years old. All samples were

tested by latex, lateral flow assay, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Personal data

which may be potential risk factors were collected. Results: Out of the 520 Blood samples tested,

23.3%, 25.4%, 20.2%, and 9.8% had positive results for latex, lateral flow assay, ELISA IgG, and ELISA

IgM, respectively. The prevalence of T. gondii antibody was high in the elderly age group that had a

seropositive result of 26.1%,27.5%, and 23.2% for latex, lateral flow assay, and ELISA IgG,

respectively. Conclusion:The two major risk factors associated with the infection are contact with raw

meats and consumption of raw vegetables.Latex and lateral flow assay for diagnosis of T. gondii in

routine screening might be a cost-effective testing strategy. Consumers are recommended to heat the

food of animal origin, and wash all vegetables and fruit carefully before consumption.

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