Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Different Areas of Pakistan
Rafia Tabassum1*, Ansar Zubair2, Kashaf Zehra3, Fatima Arshad4,
Tanzila Ghauri2, Asma Abdul Latif1, Mateen Arshad1 and Najma Ghani1
1Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
2Department of Zoology, University of the Education, Lahore, Pakistan
3Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
4Department of Life Sciences. University of Management and technology, Lahore, Pakistan
*Corresponding Author: Rafia Tabassum, Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Received:
March 05, 2024; Published: March 20, 2024
Abstract
Background: Parasites are organisms that feed and shelter on other species. The majority of individuals carry a variety of parasites, including helminths and protozoans. Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii is a major protozoan infection in tropical and sub-tropical climates, as well as in Pakistan. This parasite infects humans and most other warm-blooded animals, but the felid family is its main host. It is anticipated to infect one-third of the world’s population.
Material and Methodology: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis was investigated in local populations of Lahore, Faisalabad and Mardan, Pakistan. The interviews were used for the questioner survey, while serological investigation was done using ELISA technique. About 360 samples were selected randomly for the detection of toxoplasma gondii antibodies.
Results: Immunoglobulin IgG antibodies were used to detect past parasite infection by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (ELISA). Gender, age, socio- demographic and associated factors were all used to characterize these samples. The samples for seroprevalence analysis were chosen randomly. A total of 169 people were found seropositive for this infection having the prevalence of 46.9%. Males were found with a high percentage prevalence of (20%) followed by females (17%) and children (9.7%).
Conclusion: This study has revealed that males were exposed to toxoplasmosis at a higher rate than females and children.
Recommendation: Contact with the soil and dirt should be avoided to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis from the environment. The report suggests that more research be conducted nationwide utilizing various hematological and biochemical parameters.
Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii; ELIZA; Toxoplasmosis
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