Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016-2018

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasitic infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent people. However, if the infection occurs in pregnant women, it can have serious consequences for the foetus. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in women of childbearing age in Arad County, Western Romania. Serum samples from 2626 women were analysed using a Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay System. Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were demonstrated in 1081 women (41%) and prevalence tended to increase with age, from 32% in women aged 15-19 years to 62% in women aged 40-45 years. There was a higher prevalence in rural areas (46%) than in urban areas (36%). This study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women of childbearing age from Western Romania.