Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection among Urban (Manila) and Suburban (Dasmariñas, Cavite) Residents, Philippines

Abstract

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection was carried out in 68 urban (Manila) and 72 suburban (Dasmariñas, Cavite) residents, comprising 69 females and 71 males, age 16-56 years old. Using a survey questionnaire, the name and address, gender, age, weight, height, civil status, cat exposure, and additional information like history of pregnancy and current reproductive status of females were obtained. The presence of anti-T.gondii antibodies was confirmed using the Toxocell latex agglutination test. The pooled population revealed 38 (27.1%) seropositive (sero⁺) cases, with higher infection rate among the suburban (30.6%) and female (32.0%) respondents. Differences in percent infection between the study groups, sexes and respondents with normal, overweight and underweight body mass index were insignificant. Of the 22 sero⁺ females, 21 were in their reproductive age, including five cases in pregnant (23.81%) volunteers. Infection was appreciable among those who had apparent association with cats (32.3%), reinforcing the feline’s primary role in the transmission of T. gondii to humans. Considering the dearth of baseline data on toxoplasmosis in the country, similar studies in other communities are highly recommended.