Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among male blood donors attending Central Blood Bank in Sebha, Libya

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii, and to find out the association between the infection and some potential risk factors among male blood donors attending the Central Blood Bank in the Sebha city, Libya. The study included 201 blood samples collected randomly from blood donors aged from 18 to 60 years (mean= 33.87 ± 9.45 years). The samples were examined using the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Radioimmunoassay using Cobas e 411 analyzer for detection of Anti-Toxoplasma-IgM and IgG antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 7.96%. The results did not record the presence of acute infection (the presence of IgM antibodies) among blood donors. Despite highest infection rates were recorded among the age group (28-37 years), in those with a low educational level, and in workers compared to their counterparts, there were no significant statistical differences according to age, educational level, and occupation status (P > 0.05). The highest infection rate was in blood group B- (50.0%), followed by AB+ (15.40%), while no infection was recorded in blood groups A- and O-. There was no a significant association between infection and blood group. The infection rate increased among blood donors who have stray cats at their houses, but this difference was not statistically significant. The results of this study showed significant  associations (P<0.05) between infection and eating undercooked meat, contact with soil, the number of times of blood donation, and smoking. The  infection of Toxoplasma gondii found in the present work highlighted the need to establish proper control strategies such as conducting health education programs for blood donors about sources of infection and prevention, as well as adopting the necessary measures to ensure safety of transfused blood and avoiding transfusion-acquired toxoplasmosis, especially for multitransfused and immunocompromised patients.