Serological study of toxoplasmosis in Vietnam in a population of drug users (Ho Chi Minh city) and pregnant women (Nha Trang)
Buchy, P.; Follézou, J.Y.; Lien, T.X.; An, T.T.N.; Tram, L.T.; Tri, D.V.; Cuong, N.M.; Glaziou, P.; Chien, B.T.
Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique 96(1): 46-47
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9085 PMID: 12784594 Document Number: 232725
Toxoplasmosis is a neglected disease in Vietnam, particularly in populations with a high risk of developing complications. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was determined by testing the blood samples of 300 injecting drug users from Ho Chi Minh city and 300 pregnant women from Nha Trang for the presence of Toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM. Among injecting drug users, the seroprevalence rates of IgG and IgM antibodies were 7.7 and 0.08%, respectively. Among pregnant women, the seroprevalence rates of IgG and IgM antibodies were 11.2 and 0%, respectively. Among the estimated pregnancies in Vietnam, 0.28% were affected with toxoplasmosis, i.e. around 4800 pregnancies per year. In conclusion, screening for toxoplasmosis should be recommended among HIV/AIDS patients.