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Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

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dc.contributor.author Abu, E. K.
dc.contributor.author Boampong, J. N.
dc.contributor.author Ayi, I.
dc.contributor.author Afoakwah, R.
dc.contributor.author Nsiah, P.
dc.contributor.author Blay, E.
dc.date.accessioned 2021-07-01T10:11:15Z
dc.date.available 2021-07-01T10:11:15Z
dc.date.issued 2014
dc.identifier.issn 23105496
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/5557
dc.description 9p:, ill. en_US
dc.description.abstract About 20–90% of the world’s population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47•0 years consisting of 118 (30•3%) males and 272 (69•7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. ondiiwas 85% (333/390) were fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival of Toxoplasma oocysts en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher University of Cape Coast en_US
dc.subject ELISA en_US
dc.subject Parasite en_US
dc.subject Seropositivity en_US
dc.subject Toxoplasma gondii en_US
dc.title Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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