Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the population of the area of Parma (Italy)

Abstract

Between 1987 and 1991, the prevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined by ELISA in 28,247 serum samples belonging to 19,432 subjects of the area of Parma (Italy). The overall prevalence was 48.5%. The correlation of infection with age, performed on 420 sera, showed a significant increase of positivity until 30-40 approximately years. In consecutive sera obtained from 172 subjects, the IgG and IgM production was analyzed for about 8 months, and four different patterns were delineated which were comprehensive of the wide range of immunological responses to Toxoplasma gondii exposure observed. Among pregnant females the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was 48.7%, and 5 cases of seroconversion during the pregnancy were observed (0.27%) from which two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis originated.

Seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis in individuals living in North West Tuscany: access to Toxo-test in central Italy

“…However, our data show a lower seropositivity in women of this age group (19.4%) compared with previous studies in other regions of Italy (in the northern, central, and southern Italy) where values higher than 40% were found [25,28,29]. Actually, the Parma area [25] reflects a situation quite similar to ours, both geographically and for socio-economic factors, including food habits.…”

“…Actually, the Parma area [25] reflects a situation quite similar to ours, both geographically and for socio-economic factors, including food habits.…”

“…In Italy, a trend toward a decrease in seropositivity has become evident since 2001, particularly among Italian women of reproductive age in whom seroprevalence shifted from 48.5% in 1995 [25] and 31.4% in 2001 [26], to 21.4% in 2005 [27].…”

Immunoglobulin M indirect‐fluorescent antibody test for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in the avidity era: A 14‐year experience at the Tuscany Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Florence, Italy

“…T. gondii is a protozoal parasite ubiquitous in nature and distributed worldwide. In recent years, the decrease in toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among populations of many industrialized countries has caused increased susceptibility among women of child‐bearing age . Intrauterine transmission can occur if the infection is acquired during pregnancy .…”

“…In recent years, the decrease in toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among populations of many industrialized countries has caused increased susceptibility among women of child-bearing age. [1][2][3][4][5] Intrauterine transmission can occur if the infection is acquired during pregnancy. 6 The risk and severity of congenital infection depend on the time at which the mother has acquired the infection.…”