The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Male Population in Zakho city, Duhok Province, Iraq

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected foodborne disease, stands as the fourth most frequent cause of hospitalization and the second leading factor behind deaths among immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women who contract the disease at early pregnancy stage. The prevalence of toxoplasma infections among males in Zakho city has remained poorly examined. The current study's primary objective is to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in males residing in Zakho city, Iraq. Data for analysis were gathered through serological tests and participant questionnaires. Among the 213 participants, 65 (30.52%) and 4 (1.88%) exhibited IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, respectively. The current investigation highlighted the prevalence of T. gondii infection within the general population of Zakho city, Iraq. However, the rate of seropositivity of anti-toxoplasma IgG, increased with age, but this increase was non-significant (P>0.05). Also, higher but non-significant seroprevalence rates of toxoplasmosis IgG and IgM Abs were observed with other studied factors such as residence, contact with cats, occupation, marital status, and eating at restaurants. Indicating to the presence of poor relationships between toxoplasmosis and these demographic factors in males.