Toxoplasmosis in women, men, infants and animals in Jazan District

This study determines the immune status against Toxoplasma gondii in human and animal sera in Jazan district using different techniques. Sera from 124 women, 50 men, 16 infants, randomly were obtained from king Fahd central hospital outpatients' clinics, 30 sheep 31 goat were obtained from animals attending the veterinary clinics for any reasons. Sera were employed for Toxoplasma gondii latex agglutination (LA), Indirec hemagglutination (IHA) & Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA (IgG & IgM)]. The results revealed anti-toxoplasma by LA, IHA & ELISA (IgG & IgM) as follow 28.22%, 33.87%, 41.9 and %5.65% in women; 20%, 28%, and 38%, 0% in men; 6.25%, 12.5%, 25% and, 0% in infants and 33.33%, 46.66% in sheep and 29%, 14, 16% in goats by LA and IHA respectively. ELISA showed highest sensitivity, specificity, and highest accuracy. Hygienic conditions must be applied in case of active toxoplasmosis to minimize transmission of the disease. Women should be routinely tested for Toxoplasma antibodies before and after pregnancy to avoid severe or fatal consequences.