Abstract
Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis of human and warm-blooded animals caused by the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is distributed worldwide. It causes severe congenital abnormalities including hydrocephalus and mental retardation in infants. The present study was designed to know the prevalence of human toxoplasmosis and its relationship to gender and age of humans in Kallarwali, District Muzaffar Garh.
Material & Methods: The present investigation was carried out in Kallarwali, Muzaffar Garh, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 150 sera were examined. The Orient Toxo Latex Kit was used for the analysis of sera. It is highly specific and sensitive test to detect antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. The samples were tested by latex agglutination test. The data was collected on the pre-designed proforma.
Results: Out of 150 sera examined 63 were positive giving the overall prevalence of T. gondii as 42%. It was more common in males 33(44%) as compared to females 30(40%). The parasite was also found in all age groups (range 1 to 70 years). The prevalence was 60% in age group of 1-10 years, 19.35% in age group 11-20 years, 39.28% in age group of 21-30 years, 50% in age group 31-40 years, 68.75% in age group 41-50 years, 33.33% in age group 51-60 years and 50% in age group 61-70 years. The highest (68.75%) prevalence was observed in age group 41-50 years and the lowest (19.35%) in age group 11-20 years.
Conclusion: The infection rate of toxoplasmosis is high in village Kallarwali, District Muzaffar Garh. It increases with age. Men have higher risk of infection than women.