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. gondii IgG
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. gondii was 85% (333/390) where 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.
