High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT among the Residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-Gun, Incheon City, Korea

Abstract

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, Korea was surveyed for 4 years by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), GST-linker-SAG1A. Sera from 312, 343, 390, and 362 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Total positive seroprevalence regardless of gender was 29.2, 35.3, 38.7, and 45.3% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Positive seroprevalence in male adults was 43.9, 48.2, 45.4, and 55.3%, which was far higher than that of the corresponding female adults which was 20.7, 29.2, 33.9, and 38.9%, from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Seokmo-do may have been caused in part by peculiar changes in the toxoplasmic environment of the island as it is a relatively isolated area preserving its natural habitat while also being connected by a bridge to the mainland. Further study is necessary to find out symptomatic patients and to confirm the risk factors.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii assayed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Residents in Three Counties Adjacent to The Demilitarized Zone, Korea

“…Four-year follow-up study in Ganghwa and Cheorwon reported seroprevalence escalated during the study period, and the infection rate was higher in men than women [ 17 ]. Sukmo Island study also reported similar results that it observed rise in seroprevalence and higher prevalence in men than women [ 18 ]. Previous studies had shown that the seroprevalence is increasing, but there has been no study explored regional difference in seroprevalence.…”

“…According to studies conducted in Ganghwa and Cheorwon from 2010 to 2013, men’s prevalence in both regions was 1.5 times higher than that of women [ 17 , 18 ]. Previous studies have speculated that this phenomenon is due to the fact that men are more active in socioeconomic activities than women in rural areas.…”

Serological and molecular rapid diagnostic tests for Toxoplasma infection in humans and animals

“…The structurally modified rSAG1A-GRA2-based RDT showed 100% specificity and 97.1% sensitivity for detection of human Toxoplasma infection as compared to a laboratory ELISA that used T. gondii whole cell lysate antigen [36]. An RDT kit comprising GST-linked SAG1A has been used to detect Toxoplasma infection in Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon City, South Korea [51].…”

Clusters of Toxoplasmosis in Gyodong-Myeon and Samsan-Myeon, Ganghwa-Gun, Korea

“…RDT data with address of subjects from Gyodong-myeon and Samsan-myeon was obtained from preceding studies, and the number of patients in each region is summarized in the Table 1 [ 11 , 12 ]. IgG/IgM RDT mounted with recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1A), GST-linker-SAG1A, were applied to the sera mentioned above [ 14 ].…”

“…Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in certain areas is surging recently [ 10 – 13 ]. Previous studies have shown that the overall proportion, gender and age distribution of Gyodong-myeon and Samsan-myeon [ 11 , 12 ]. In addition to this, if clusters with high risk are specified by comparing them to each region, efficient monitoring and health policies can be established accordingly.…”