Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is a highly common parasitic disease both in our country and around the world. The prevalence of the infection varies depending on the climate, socio-economical conditions and nutrition habits. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in our country varies between 0.7-5%. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of toxoplasmosis among women in reproductive age. The serums from a total of 280 unmarried women between 18-25 were examined by means of IgG and IgM antibodies specific to toxoplosmosis, using ELISA and IFAT methods. Among the cases, 91 (32.5%) were found IgG seropositive by ELISA method, while 66 (23.6%) cases were found IgG seropositive by IFAT method, but no IgM positivity was revealed in the tests. It was finally realived that it is necessary to carry on training and acknowledgment about toxoplasmosis and surveying regarding parasite seropositivity prior to pragnancy in the region.
Key Words: Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis, ELISA, IFAT
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