[Investigation of the Risk Factors Affecting Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Women of Reproductive Age Applying to the Maternity Clinic of Kilis State Hospital].

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to detect the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Kilis province, determine the risk factors for toxoplasmosis, and assess the effect of risk factors on seropositivity.

METHODS

The research performed in Kilis State Hospital was a cross-sectional study in which Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used. The study included women between the ages of 15 and 49 years. The number of samples was 322. Female patients participating had to fill a questionnaire form of 27 questions in total, and blood samples were taken. Survey and laboratory results were uploaded to SPSS 15 program and assessed.

RESULTS

As results of the study, the seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (anti-T. gondii) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies was determined to be 63.4% and that of anti-T. gondii Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies was determined to be 4.0%. It was found that the seropositivity of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies was significantly dependent on age groups, educational status, number of live births, and habits of raw or undercooked meat consumption. It was found that the IgM seroprevalence in 210 pregnant women was 3.8%, and the IgG seroprevalence was positive at 59.5%; no statistical significance could be determined in both.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that age distribution, income and educational levels, and eating habits of people living in the research region affect toxoplasmosis.