Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and cats in Grenada, West Indies.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was studied in 534 pregnant women and 40 domestic cats in Grenada, West Indies. Antibodies (IgG) for T. gondii were sought in human sera by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in cat sera by using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies were found in 57 % of pregnant women. Seroprevalence increased with age; 51% of 15- to 19-yr-old women (100 total) had antibodies versus 60% of 20- to 24-yr-old women (127 total). Antibodies to T. gondii (MAT, 1:25 serum dilution) were found in 35% of cats; titers were 1:25 in 7 cats, 1:50 in 4 cats, and 1:500 in 3 cats. Epidemiological data suggested that the ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts was an important mode of transmission of T. gondii to women.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Asthana, SP; Macpherson, CNL; Weiss, SH; Stephens, R; Denny, TN; Sharma, RN; Dubey, JP

Published Date

  • June 2006

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 92 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 644 - 645

PubMed ID

  • 16884013

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-3395

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1645/GE-762R.1

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States