Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Two Mountain Aboriginal Populations and Southeast Asian Laborers in Taiwan

Abstract

A seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection among Atayal and Paiwan mountain aborigines and Southeast Asian laborers in Taiwan was assessed from February 1998 to July 2000 using a latex agglutination test. To determine risk factors for T. gondii infection among Taiwan aborigines, the consumption of raw meat and valley water were given particular attention in a self-administered questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 19.4% for Atayal, 26.7% for Paiwan, 42.9% for Indonesian, 14.7% for Thai, and 11.3% for Filipinos. No significant gender difference in seroprevalence was found among Atayals, Paiwans, Indonesians, and Filipinos (P > 0.05). In the Thai group, however, males had a higher seroprevalence than females (P < 0.001). Results of the multiple logistic regression analysis indicate a higher odds ratios (OR) with age in both aboriginal groups. In contrast, the OR was lower among older Indonesians and Thais. Those Atayals and Paiwans with a history of eating raw meat seemed more susceptible to T. gondii infection than those who had never consumed raw meat. Ethnically, a significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between Indonesians and Paiwans, Atayals, Thais, and Filipinos (P < 0.001).

Seroprevalence, Seroconversion, and Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis among Pregnant Women in Taipei, Taiwan

“…Compared with neighboring countries, the overall seroprevalence in the present study was similar to that reported in Japan (10.3z) (13), and in Changchun, northern China Toxoplasma in Pregnant Women in Taipei City (10.6z) (16); however, the overall seroprevalence in the present study was higher than that reported in South Korea (4z) (12). The difference in seroprevalence among pregnant women in different districts may be attributable to the habits of aboriginal Taiwanese populations of consuming raw liver or other meat products from pigs and rats, as well as to their low economic status, leading to increased risks of infection with toxoplasmosis (22,24,25); however, immigrant pregnant women may be susceptible to toxoplasmosis because of poor hygiene habits associated with their low socioeconomic status, resulting in a high seroprevalence (22). Nevertheless, immigrant pregnant women may have been infected before they came to Taiwan and should not be ignored.…”

Seroprevalence and Sources of Toxoplasmosis among Orang Asli (Indigenous) Communities in Peninsular Malaysia

“…15 However, other studies among Taiwan indigenous people have reported a lower seroprevalence of 19.4% to 21.8% in Atayal, 16 26.7% in Paiwan, 17 and 9.1% in Akka 17 subgroups. In contrast, seroprevalence rates among indigenous people in Brazil 18 and Venezuela [19][20][21][22][23] have been relatively high: 73.5% and up to 88.0%, respectively.…”

Toxoplasma gondii Infection: Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Primary School Children in the Capital Area of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

“…Most clinical laboratories therefore utilize serological tests such as latex agglutination (LA) test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indirect fluorescent antibody test to detect antibodies against T. gondii in infected individuals. The LA test has been widely used in remote areas of developing countries because of its high specificity and sensitivity as well as convenience (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Serological surveys of T. gondii infection have been conducted in several regions; however, seroprevalence rates vary between investigations.…”