Toxoplasmosis Seroprevalence in Romanian Children

Abstract

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Romanian children is currently unknown. A serological survey was undertaken to determine T. gondii infection among children from Western Romania. Serum samples of 441 children (aged 1-18 years) were screened for T. gondii immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 16.6% and tended to increase with age. Seroprevalence was 18.4% in children from rural regions and 14.7% in those from urban regions. T. gondii antibodies were demonstrated in 19.5% of females and 13.3% of males. This report provided the first seroepidemiological data and evaluated the demographic risk factors regarding T. gondii infection in children from Western Romania. Our results may serve as a basis for a future prevention program for toxoplasmosis.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii; Western Romania; children; seroprevalence; toxoplasmosis.