Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis and the Theoretical Incidence of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Women of Reproductive Age in Edirne, Turkey. A Community Based Study

Objective: The aims of this community-based study were to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in women of reproductive age, to identify the risk factors, and to estimate theoretical incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Edirne city center. Material and Methods: Sera from 96 women representing the female population in the city center were tested for toxoplasma IgG antibody using the ELISA technique, For each participant, a questionnaire was completed to provide information on socio-demographic data, obstetrical history, and life style parameters. The relation between toxoplasma positivity and probable risk factors was investigated with chi-square and independent samples t test during statistical analysis. Results: The ages of the study population ranged from 15 to 49 years with a mean age of 31.2 years. 33 (34.4%) of 96 women were positive for toxoplasma IgG antibody. The mean age of women with seropositive samples was 34.2 +/- 10.4 years. The mean age of seronegative women was 29.7 +/- 9.2 years. Although the mean age was higher in seropositive women when compared with seronegative, the rates of seropositivity were not significantly different between age groups (p = 0.246). Toxoplasma seropositivity was 85.7% for women with high income and 100% for women with low income. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.025). The other risk factors were not significantly different between seropositive and seronegative cases. The mean theoretical incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis was 0.7% in our study and it decreased from 1.3% to 0.2% as the person aged. Conclusion: Approximately two out of every three reproductive age women in Edirne city center is at risk of toxoplasmosis. The risk of congenital toxoplasmosis is higher for babies of women aged 15-24 years. These results underline the necessity of promoting preventive measures for toxoplasmosis in reproductive age women.