Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis among patients visiting the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

oxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It affects up to about one third of the human population worldwide. Toxoplasmosis in neonates and immunocompromised patients can lead to severe disease and even death. However, there is a lack in knowledge concerning the extent of the toxoplasmosis problem in Ghana. In the present study, we determined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among patients visiting visiting Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 165 patients studied, IgG antibodies were found in 32.7% (95% CI: 25.0 – 39.3%). IgM and IgA seroprevalence were 29.7% (95% CI: 22.2 – 36.1%) respectively. There was significant association between seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and gender (P< 0.05), with the male sex being at increased risk of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity (OR ,95% CI: IgG - 2.78,1.34-5.82; IgM - 3.31, 1.57-6.981; IgA – 3.31, 1.57-6.981). No significant association (P> 0.05) was observed between the age groups and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Ourstudy reveals an overall high seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among patients visit ing the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Public campaigns may be necessary to educate the Ghanaians about ways to minimise exposure Toxoplasma gondii.