PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN CHILDREN IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

We conducted a survey of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children living in Jaboatao dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, Brazil from 1998 to 1999. This city is situated adjacent to Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco. We determined the prevalence of specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in 196 individuals from 2 to 16 years of age. Individuals who were IgG antibody negative also underwent specific anti-T. gondii IgM testing to detect recent infection with the parasite. Seroprevalence was 79.1%, and high titers of IgG antibody were observed in 49% of positive subjects. The prevalens of antibodies to T. gondii increased with age, with a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.709; however, there was no significant difference in antibody status by sex. Out of 47 children who did not have specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibody, 4 were determined by specific anti-T. gondii IgM antibody analysis to have been recently infected. Stool was examined for soil-transmitted helminth eggs to assess the frequency of soil contact in the entire study population. Stool examination in the population revealed that soil-transmitted helminthiases was highly endemic, with an infection rate of 85.2%in this area. These results suggest that the primary mode of T. gondii transmission to humans is through contact with soil.