Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among veterinary college staff and students, Iowa State University

Abstract

Serum samples obtained from two groups within the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, were examined for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Serum samples from 65 (26.0%) of the 250 persons examined yielded a titer of 1:16 or greater by the indirect fluorescent antibody test. A prevalence of 33.3% was obtained for 108 Veterinary Medical Research Institute (VMRI) personnel. Fof 142 veterinary students, the reactive rate was 20.4%. There was a marked difference of results within the student group--the reactive rate of 31.0% of 58 members of the class of 1975 was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than the 13.1% for 84 members of the class of 1976. Studies on multiple serum samples were carried out on 55 VMRI personnel; 17 showed a change in serologic reactivity but only 5 had titers of 1:64 or greater. No definitive relationships could be determined between the epidemiologic characteristics examined and the presence of T. gondii antibodies. Characteristics examined included age, sex, primary residency, food habits (eating of rare beef and smoked pork products), and extent of animal contact.