Seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Ceuta
Pérez-Rendón González, J.; López Caminero, A.
Atencion Primaria 9(2): 109-110
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-6567 PMID: 1558925 Document Number: 391677
To study the association between religion and sex with seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii. A cross-sectional observational or prevalence study, with blind, at random distribution. Clinic in Ceuta (North Africa). We studied 100 serum, 50 from people of Christian religion and 50 of Muslim religion, and in each group 25 of each sex. Selection was by order of arrival until the different groups were covered. The serological surveys consisted of indirect Immunofluorescence according to AMBROISE-THOMAS, using Evans Blue as a countercolor, and indirect Hemagglutination, using Blomerleux kits. Of the total samples, we found 51% positive serum for IFI and 64% for HAI. According to ethnic groups, in the Christian population we obtained 32% by IFI and 40% by HAI. In the Muslim population, we obtained 70% by IFI and 88% of seropositives by HAI (p less than 0.01). According to sexes, in males we obtained 46% by IFI and 64% by HAI of positives. In females we obtained 56% with IFI and 64% with HAI (p = insignificant). Our survey reflects a level of endemic above the world average in accordance with the WHO. This can be justified in the Muslim population who generally have a lower socio-economical and cultural level as well as their eating habits. Owing to the high prevalence of this zoonosis, we believe it requires greater consideration.