Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age of Isfahan, Iran: A population-based study

BACKGROUND: We conducted an epidemiological survey on seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in women of childbearing age in Isfahan Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in 2010, 217 women in the age range of 10–50 years were randomly selected. The blood samples examined for the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody by a commercial ELISA kit (Dia-Pro, Milan, Italy). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to examine the antibody status in different age, marriage, education, and residence groups. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 47.5% (103/217). The peak age of infection acquisition was in the range 30–40 years in rural areas and 20–30 years in urban districts. There was no significant association between residence, education, and marriage groups on the one hand and chance of T. gondii infection on the other hand. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest a moderate prevalence of T. gondii infection, but a high prevalence in ages of high reproductive activities.