ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) serology results in different age groups among cases who admitted to the Medical Serology Laboratory of a secondary level hospital in Afyon.

The patients who has positive result for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM by electrochemiluminescence method (Cobas e-170 Analyzer, Roche Diagnostics) between January and December 2013 were included the study.

Patients included the study were aged 1-68 years (mean age: 24±9). Of the total 1887 sera tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM, 452 were found to be positive (24%) in a period of 12 months. Seropositivity was found to be 4%, 11,1%, 20,2%, 25,3%, 33,3% and 46,6% in 1-8, 9-18, 19-23, 24-28, 29-35 and 36-68 age groups, respectively.

Because of the high seroprevalence in our country, the knowledge about the values of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pre-pregnancy period has an importance for evaluation and follow-up during the pregnancy. In this study, it was determined that there is a relationship between seroprevalence and age. All people should be educated about ways to minimize exposure to T. gondii. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2015; 39: 9-12)

Keywords: Seroprevalence, T. gondii, Afyon