[Epidemiology of toxoplasmosis: worldwide status]

A literature review of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence data available over the last 40 years has been conducted both among European women of reproductive age and general populations at the global level. Summary maps are presented. In Europe, the highest seroprevalences have been reported from France, both among women of reproductive age and the general population. There is a higher seroprevalence in Central Europe than in Scandinavia or the United Kingdom. At the world level, prevalences similar to those of Central Europe have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Lower prevalences are found in North America, South-East Asia, and Oceania. The limitations of such comparisons are discussed.