Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a severe and life-threatening parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii. The main aim of the current research was to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among blood donors and determined the risk factors increased the infection and found the source of infection. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 blood samples were collected and serum samples were obtained. ELISA IgM and IgG were used to detect and differentiate between acute and chronic infection. Results: Approximately 43 out of 220 samples showed positive to IgG with a prevalence rate of chronic toxoplasmosis 19.5%. IgM was not detected in the target group. Significant different between getting chronic toxoplasmosis and age group 30-39 years was recorded (p = 0.005). The results showed a relationship between chronic toxoplasmosis and the race of participants. Asian race was more suspected to be infected by chronic toxoplasmosis (p = 0.001). High significant was detected between working in the home garden and infection acquired with chronic toxoplasmosis (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The results obtained from the current study showed that chronic toxoplasmosis was found in blood donors. Latent toxoplasmosis can reactivate in some circumstances and be acute in the blood