LAUSR

This study was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of human Toxoplasmosis in district Mardan, Pakistan. A total of 600 human blood samples were collected by random sampling method. Blood samples were analyzed for Toxoplasma gondii infection and anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies by using Latex agglutination test (LAT) and Chromatographic technique, respectively. Out of 600 individuals, 105 (17.5%) were sero-positive for T. gondii. Males showed slightly higher (18.4%) prevalence as compared to female (16%), but statistically the difference was non-significant (X= 0.394, P = 0.5302). Sero-prevalence was high (29.41%) in age group 3145 years and lowest (10%) in age group ≤1-15years. A non-significant difference (P > 0.05) of sero-positivity was observed between rural (18.06%) and urban (15.56%) areas. Seropositivity for IgG was high (24%) in age group 31-45. IgM anti-body showed highest seropositivity (14%) in age group 61-75. Of various risk factors, a significant association (P = 0.0001) was found between sero-positivity and no hand washing after contact with animal, soil or other contaminated objects. However, there was no significant relation between sero-positivity of T. gondii and educational status of subjects (p>0.05).