The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Among Reproductive-Age Women in Ankara a Central Anatolian City Turkey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among reproductive-age women in rural and urban areas in Ankara, a central Anatolian city in Turkey.
STUDY DESIGN: A total of 321 reproductive-age women from Karagedik, rural area and 1732 from Gazi university hospital, urban area, have been included in this study. Rural and Gazi university hospital parts of the study have been conducted December 1997 - May 1998 and January 1998- December 2005 respectively. All women were screened for toxoplasma Ig G antibodies in their serum. Samples with >6 IU were considered positive for Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies.
RESULTS: Seropositivity in rural and urban areas was 44.7% and 40.7% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups. Higher seropositivity has been observed in both groups as the age increases. However, in both study groups logistic regression revealed that seropositivity
was not significantly associated with age, education, and occupation.
CONCLUSIONS: Since high rate of prevalence and the half of the cases have been acquired during reproductive years, it seems to be beneficial to screen all pregnant women during pregnancy in Ankara, Turkey.