Serological survey for Toxoplasma gondii infection in two riverside communities in Northeastern Brazil

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant global public health concern. Riverside communities often face unfavorable socioeconomic conditions that can lead to increased exposure to pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in two riverside communities in Northeastern Brazil.

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between April/2022 and August/2024, involving the populations of the cities of Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu and Cachoeira in the Recôncavo Baiano region, Northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic data were collected, and serological tests were performed to evaluate anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG.

A total of 237 individuals were tested serologically for toxoplasmosis. The majority were female, self-identified as Black, with family incomes below the minimum Brazilian wage. In Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu, 40/74 (54.1%) individuals presented reactive anti-T. gondii IgG, while one (1.4%) was reactive for IgM. In Cachoeira, 80/163 (49.1%) were reactive for anti-T. gondii IgG, while 6 (3.7%) presented seropositivity for IgM. Individuals aged 31 years or older (Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu) and 15 years or older (Cachoeira) were associated with a higher chance of presenting anti-T. gondii IgG.

This study contributes to our understanding of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and associated risk factors in riverside communities. The seroprevalence rates of toxoplasmosis identified in this study, including IgM-positive cases, reinforce the urgent need for interventions to prevent toxoplasmosis in riverside populations.