Sero-epidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia the prevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii has been determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One thousand and sixteen sera collected in six different geographical regions were analyzed. Antibody titres > 15 IU/ml were detected in 74.4% of the specimens, titres exceeding 200 IU/ml in one third of the ELISA-positive sera. The highest antibody titres were found in children and 75% of young adults had sero-converted. As infection with the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) frequently leads to a resurgence of toxoplasmosis, the diagnosis of T. gondii encephalitis should be considered in the clinical management of the HIV-immunocompromised Ethiopian patients.