Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among adults in a small Brazilian city

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years or more, selected from patients of the local health unit and home visits in urban and rural areas. Each participant completed a survey with questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Variables that proved to be independent predictors of infection were age, low levels of education, and previous diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological markers in this adult population highlights the need to promote preventive practices, especially those directed toward women of childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.摘要 引言：刚地弓形虫（Toxoplasma gondii）感染的流行率在不同人群中存在显著差异，尤其受社会经济发展水平与饮食习惯相关因素的影响。巴西的卡西亚杜斯库凯鲁斯（Cássia dos Coqueiros）是一座具有乡村特色的小城，其人群历来具备更多与刚地弓形虫感染相关的风险因素。研究方法：本研究开展了一项横断面调查，共纳入970名18岁及以上的居民，研究对象选自当地卫生门诊的就诊患者以及城乡区域的入户走访人群。所有参与者均完成了一份调查问卷，内容涵盖人口统计学特征、社会经济状况以及弓形虫病的相关风险因素。采集参与者的血液样本，采用化学发光微粒子免疫检测法，针对样本中是否存在抗刚地弓形虫的IgG与IgM抗体进行检测。研究结果：抗刚地弓形虫的IgG与IgM抗体阳性率分别为62.3%与2.5%。经证实为感染独立预测因素的变量包括年龄、低教育水平以及既往弓形虫病确诊史。研究结论：本成人人群中弓形虫病血清学标志物的高流行率，凸显了在巴西该区域推广预防措施的必要性，尤其是针对育龄女性的相关防控举措。