Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Mexico
Velasco-Castrejón, O.; Salvatierra-Izaba, B.; Valdespino, J.L.; Sedano-Lara, A.M.; Galindo-Virgen, S.; Magos, C.; Llausás, A.; Tapia-Conyer, R.; Gutiérrez, G.; Sepúlveda, J.
Salud Publica de Mexico 34(2): 222-229
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-3634 PMID: 1631735 Document Number: 390475
"This article presents the results of the National Seroepidemiology Survey with regard to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Mexico. Some theoretical aspects of the disease are discussed, and the prevalences found in earlier reports are presented. The study measured 29 279 blood samples from persons in all 32 states of Mexico, for both sexes, all ages, and socioeconomic groups. The samples were processed by indirect immunofluorescence for antibody titers of 1:16 and 1:128. Positivity levels were stratified by age, sex, socioeconomic level, place of residence, education level, number of persons in the family, state, and with or without rights to care in the social security medical institutions. The results pointed to greater prevalences in the coastal areas, in lower socioeconomic levels, and a high incidence in women of reproductive age. Also included are a discussion of socioeconomic aspects and the potential role of the domestic cat."Rates ranged from 7.4% (positive at 1 in 128) in the Baja California Sur to 56.1% in Veracruz, with an overall figure of 19.5% (with an age gradient of 11% in <5 year olds to 24% in >50 year olds).D.W. FitzSimons The National Seroepidemiology Survey in 1987 tested 29 279 blood samples from people in all 32 states of Mexico, for Toxoplasma gondii infection. The results showed greater prevalences in coastal areas, in lower socio-economic groups and in women of reproductive age. Prevalences from previous studies are given and the potential role of the domestic cat is discussed. Overall prevalences for 1:16 and 1:128 titre immunofluorescence tests were 32% and 19.5%, respectively.