Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk factors associated with seropositivity of pregnant women in Korea

A total of 351 serum samples was examined for anti-T. gondii antibody titers: the overall seroprevalence was 3.7%. The Sabin-Feldman dye test (DT), latex agglutination test (LAT), and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgG ELISA) indicated seroprevalences of 3.7%, 3.4%. and 4.0%, respectively. Compared with the DT, the sensitivities of the LAT and IgG ELISA were 94.6% and 100.0%. respectively and the specificities of the LAT and IgG ELISA were both 99.7%. An increase in T. gondii seroprevalence with increasing age was detected, but the difference wits not significant. The Overall seroprevalence of T gondii-antibody titers in pregnant Korean women was relatively low compared to those of Europeans and Americans. A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that T. gondii infection was positively correlated with eating raw meat, but Was not associated with the consumption Of unwashed vegetables, drinking untreated water, I history of raising a cat, or blood transfusion. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat may, therefore, be the main route Of T. gondii infection in Korea.