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Acquisition of toxoplasma infection by children in a developing country
Insights
Toxoplasma infection is common in Chilean children, with prevalence increasing with age. Raw or undercooked meat consumption is a likely transmission route for this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) poses a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding the prevalence and transmission dynamics in vulnerable populations is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of toxoplasma infection in healthy children from a low socioeconomic status population in Santiago, Chile.
- To investigate the rate of infection and identify associated epidemiological factors, particularly focusing on age-related prevalence and potential transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 850 healthy children (550 newborns, 300 aged 6 months to 14 years).
- Serological testing for toxoplasma antibodies in serum samples.
- A longitudinal follow-up of 50 seronegative 6-month-old infants to assess seroconversion rates over two years.
Main Results:
- Antibody prevalence was 49% at birth, decreasing to 0% at 6 months and gradually increasing with age, reaching 32% by 6 years and 48% in older children (7-14 years).
- Seroconversion rates in followed infants were 11% after 1 year and 14% after 2 years.
- A significant association was found between toxoplasma infection and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
Conclusions:
- Toxoplasma infection prevalence increases significantly with age in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Santiago, Chile.
- Ingestion of undercooked meat is a strongly suggested route of transmission.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of domestic animals and vectors in transmission within this population.
Abstract:
The prevalence of toxoplasma infection was studied in 850 healthy children (550 newborn infants and 300 children aged 6 months to 14 years) from a population of low socioeconomic status in Santiago, Chile. Antibodies were detected in 49% of the serum samples in children at birth and in 0% at 6 months, 2% at 1 year, 10% at 2 years, 22% at 4 years, and 32% at 6 years of age, and in 48% of the children aged 7-14 years. In order to determine the rate of infection and associated epidemiological factors, 50 seronegative infants aged 6 months were followed up; 11% and 14% of them showed seroconversion after 1 and 2 years, respectively. The results suggest a significant association between infection and the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. The role of cats and vectors such as flies and cockroaches in the transmission of infection could not be determined owing to the commonness of these two sources in relation to the small number of subjects studied.