ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to determine the serological results of patients with suspected toxoplasmosis who were admitted to the Medical Parasitology Laboratory of Celal Bayar University Hospital in Manisa between 2006 and 2010.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were investigated by IFAT, IgG ELISA, and IgM Capture ELISA in 2815 patients. IgG avidity tests were also performed in cases with both IgG and IgM seropositivity.

Only IgG, only IgM and both IgG and IgM seropositivity were detected in 657 (23.3%), 4 (0.1%) and 6 (0.2%) cases respectively among 2815 patients. Anti-T. gondii IgG seropositivity was mostly found in patients [21.2% (n=139)] who consume raw meat. IgG seroprevalence was found to be statistically higher in the 15-49 age group than the 0-14 age group (p<0.05). Decrease in the prevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG seropositivity in 2010 was found to be statistically significant considering the five years period (p<0.001).

Raw meat consumption was detected as the most important risk factor in Toxoplasma infection. A decrease in anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies was detected in recent years considering the five years’ serologic data, but toxoplasmosis remains important as a public health problem in Manisa.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, seroprevalence, Manisa