Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in Huicholes in Mexico

Abstract

BackgroundVery little is known about the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in ethnic groups in Mexico. Huicholes are an indigenous ethnic group living in a remote mountainous region in Mexico. We sought to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in Huicholes; and to determine the association of Toxoplasma seropositivity with socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics of Huicholes.MethodsWe performed a cross sectional survey in Huicholes from September 2013 to January 2014. A convenience sampling method was used. We investigated the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in 214 Huicholes using enzyme-linked immunoassays. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain the characteristics of the Huicholes. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of Toxoplasma exposure and Huicholes’ characteristics.ResultsOf the 214 Huicholes studied (mean age: 37.98 ± 15.80 years), 71 (33.2%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and 47 (66.2%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection did not vary with age, sex, or occupation. However, seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies was significantly higher in female than in male Huicholes. Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics showed that T. gondii exposure was associated with consumption of turkey meat (OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.16-4.46; P = 0.01). In addition, seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in Huicholes suffering from dizziness and memory impairment than those without such clinical characteristics.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate serological evidence of T. gondii exposure among Huicholes which may be impacting their health. Results of this first study of T. gondii infection in Huicholes may be useful for the design of optimal preventive measures against infection with T. gondii.

SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH Toxoplasma gondii INFECTION AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN IRAN

“…Further analysis revealed that older age groups (≥ 50 years) were three times more likely to have T. gondii seroposive results than the younger age groups (≤ 24 years). This finding is consistent with the majority of studies in the world 12 , 17 , 22 , 24 . The explanation would be an enhanced exposure to toxoplasmosis by means of consumption of raw or undercooked infected products.…”

Toxoplasma gondii infection in interstate truck drivers: a case–control seroprevalence study

“…It is unclear whether infection with T. gondii may affect the inner ear. However, dizziness -a symptom that may reflect disease in the inner ear- has been associated with T. gondii infection in the ethnic group of Huicholes [ 32 ] and in migrant agricultural workers in Durango, Mexico [ 33 ]. Further research to elucidate the role of T. gondii infection in inner ear disease is needed.…”

High Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Miners: A Case-Control Study in Rural Durango, Mexico

“…Furthermore, the high seroprevalence of T. gondii exposure found in miners (60.0%) is the highest seroprevalence reported in population groups in Durango State so far. Thus, seroprevalence found in miners is higher than the seroprevalences of T. gondii infection reported in adults in rural communities in Durango State (23.8%) [10], in schizophrenic patients (20%) [14], in waste pickers (21.1%) [15], inmates (21.1%) [16], and ethnic groups living in rural communities including Tepehuanos (22.4%) [17] and Huicholes (33.2%) [18]. In addition, the seroprevalence found in miners is higher than the weighted mean (19.27%) national seroprevalence of T. gondii infection found in Mexico [19].…”