Estudio seroepidemiológico de la toxoplasmosis en niños de áreas de riesgo de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Córdoba. Argentina

Abstract

This research was made during the years 1999-2001, within an interinstitutionaf programme between Universidad National de Río Cuarto (UNRC) and the Town Hall of the same city where researchers worked together with health care personnel placed in the research area. The analysed area is situated within the city urban radio and it expands on both margins of the río Cuarto. The main objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii in infant and young children population ranging from 0 to 15 years old living in risky areas in Río Cuarto city and to analyse and interpret those variables that interact in the presentation of this zoonosis.. It was of cross section, estimating the sampling in 257 children, being carried out a screening of 1/16 by means of the technique of Indirect Immunofluorescence. Epidemiological surveys were made which let the researchers determine the risk degree of some geo-bio-enviromental factors involved in infestation. A seroprevalence of 51.75% was found.. No significant differences were found according to sex; an increase in prevalence was found with respect to age; there was neither undercooked meat nor insufficiently cleaned garden vegetables consumption. Coexistence with cats and/or dogs, especially in soil surrounded dwellings (gardens, corrals, orchards, henhouses) was defined as a risk factor. Therefore, contact with T. gondii oocysts contaminated environment has been determined as the most important transmission source for children coining from the researched area.