Epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Honduras

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal infection produced by the coccidium Toxoplasma
gondii. It is transmitted to humans through oocysts found in cat faeces and through
cysts found in raw or undercooked meat. It is one of the most disseminated diseases
in the world, and we believe that Honduras is no exception, due to the fact that many
epidemiological conditions found in this country are favorable for the propagation
of the life cycle of the parasite. In this study, 4,588 blood samples were studied,
collected from the 18 districts of Honduras. The samples were taken using filter
paper, while ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) IgG were used to
determine serological status. General seroprevalence was 48% by ELISA and 43%
by IIF. There were no differences with regard to gender. All ages were found to be
affected; seroprevalence increased from 32% in children less than four years old
to 58% in individuals older than 65. The highest seroprevalence was found in the
Districts of Colón (74%) and Islas de la Bahìa (71%). The lowest were found in the
Districts of Santa Barbara (7%) and Olancho (15%). Regions where the disease was widespread contained closed populations, whereas areas where the incidence was
lower contained more open populations. In animals, seroprevalences in cats, pigs,
and bovines were of 51%, 32%, and 23%, respectively. These results suggest that
human infection is probably due to T. gondii soil contamination with oocytes from
cat faeces and partially due to the consumption of raw or undercooked beef or pork.