Seroprevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in a major referral eye center in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective:To assess the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis by seroprevalence of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii among people attending the referral eye center in Southwest Nigeria, and to identify associated risk factors and socio-economic determinants related to ocular toxoplasmosis.
Methods:A systematic questionnaire was used and blood samples of 3 mL each were taken. Serological tests of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were performed using the ELISA kit. Eye examinations were performed.
Results:T. gondii antibodies were detected in 52.6% of the tested patients. A total of 409 respondents were surveyed. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis increased with age which was statistically significant (P=0.001). The highest prevalence was found in farmers (69.2%, P=0.011). The overall prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis within the study area was 1.7%.
Conclusions:The high seroprevalence recorded in this study is suggestive of the endemic nature of the disease. Awareness among the populace about Toxoplasma infection is imperative in understanding the epidemiology of the infection.

Keywords

Toxoplasmosis / Antibodies / Seroprevalence

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the staff at the Eye Centre for their support during the study. We appreciate the patients for their cooperation.

Funding

This study receives no extramural funding.

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Authors’ contributions

Adegbehingbe SA, Olusi TA, Oniya MO and Fagbemi AT completed the literature review. Adegbehingbe SA collected the epidemiological and clinical data from the hospital. Fagbemi AT analyzed the data. Adegbehingbe SA, Olusi TA, Oniya MO and Fagbemi AT wrote the manuscript equally. Adegbehingbe SA provided funding and coordinated all sectors to provide great supports to this research.

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