To estimate the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies in schoolchildren and their association with clinical and environmental data, antibody titres were measured in 1276 children aged 4 to 18 years attending primary and secondary schools. Environmental and clinical data were obtained by questionnaire. Altogether 12.8% (163/ 1276) of children had antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii with no diVerence between the sexes. Seroprevalence was higher in country children (16.6% (50/302)) than town children (10.2% (75/737)). The proportion testing positive increased with age in both town and country children. No association with cat ownership was found. Toxoplasma seropositivity was associated with a positive toxocara titre, having had a bitch whelp in the past two years, and having an unwormed dog at home. Lack of energy or tiredness in the last 12 months were the only clinical features associated with a positive titre.
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis can cause a sexually transmitted infection, which, untreated, may result in considerable morbidity. Methods: A prevalence study was conducted for C trachomatis using nucleic acid amplification technology in asymptomatic women, and certain risk factors that may be used to direct future screening strategies were assessed. Results: The study population comprised 945 asymptomatic women, of whom 783 were attending antenatal clinics, 91 were attending infertility clinics and 71 were attending family planning clinics. An overall C trachomatis prevalence of 3.7% (35/945) was found, with the highest prevalence of 11.2% (22/ 196) in Irish single women aged ,25 years. Logistic regression analysis showed that single status and age ,25 years were independent, statistically significant predictors of C trachomatis infection. Conclusion: These results support routine screening of asymptomatic women who are sexually active and aged ,25 years. An opportunist active screening of all sexually active women independent of age should be additionally considered if resources permit.
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