Toxoplasmosis Seroprevalence in Romanian Children

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Parasitology
• * Public Health

Background:

• * Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasite with significant public health implications.
• * Data on T. gondii seroprevalence in children from Western Romania was previously unavailable.
• * Understanding infection rates and risk factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children residing in Western Romania.
• * To investigate the association between T. gondii seropositivity and demographic factors such as age, sex, and geographic region (rural vs. urban).

Main Methods:

• * A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted.
• * Serum samples from 441 children aged 1-18 years were analyzed for immunoglobulin G and M antibodies against T. gondii.
• * Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate seroprevalence and demographic correlations.

Main Results:

• * The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 16.6% among the studied children.
• * Seroprevalence showed an increasing trend with advancing age.
• * Higher seroprevalence rates were observed in children from rural regions (18.4%) compared to urban regions (14.7%).
• * Females (19.5%) exhibited higher seroprevalence than males (13.3%).

Conclusions:

• * This study provides the first seroepidemiological data on T. gondii infection in Romanian children.
• * Age, geographic location, and sex were identified as potential demographic risk factors.
• * The findings highlight the need for a potential prevention program for toxoplasmosis in this population.