Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect 33% of blood donors worldwide, and seroprevalence varies widely between countries. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in blood donors from Western Romania. Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 1347 healthy blood donors. Risk factors for T. gondii infection were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 45.9%, with a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001) from 32.6% in age group 18–25 years to 67.6% in age group 56–63 years. T. gondii seroprevalence decreased with increasing level of education, from 64.3% in individuals who graduated from elementary/middle school to 40.4% in those who graduated from University (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, level of education and having pets (cats and/or dogs) were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Conclusions: This study brings new and valuable data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in Romania. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in blood donors and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies that should lead to implementation of prevention programs for toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis Screening during Pregnancy in a Romanian Infectious Diseases Tertiary Center: Results of a 15 Years Follow-Up Program

“…The proportion of IgG-positive women increased with age, up to 46.43% in the age group 45–50 years old, and differences in prevalence among age groups were statistically significant. An increase in seroprevalence with an increase in age is also reported in women of reproductive age in Romania [ 27 , 29 ] and in blood donors from Romania [ 30 ]. The relationship between seroprevalence and age is frequently observed and reflects that the risk of toxoplasmosis infection remains throughout life.…”

Seroprevalence of Infections with TORCH Agents in Romania: A Systematic Review

“…A large study performed in 2009 on healthy people from 11 counties from northwestern and central Romania [ 53 ] reported that the seropositivity rate was 59.48% in the general population, while in western Romania a seroprevalence rate of 64.8% was reported in 2015 [ 54 ]. In healthy blood donors—a group that can estimate the true population prevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies—Lupu et al [ 55 ] reported a seroprevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG of 45.9% in western Romania in 2022.…”

Public Health Significance of Human Toxoplasmosis

“…Rarely, people can become infected by receiving infected blood from an in fected donor. It is significant to note that not everybody who becomes infected with T. gondii will develop symptoms or expand to critical consequences [52].…”