Background: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent parasites of human and warm- blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is important especially in two groups: pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. If women acquire the primary infection during the pregnancy, it would be life threatening or re-mains severe disorders for the fetus. This study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women referred to Health Cen-ter in Gorgan City, Golestan Province, northern Iran.
Methods: Serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan City, south eastern Caspian Sea. Anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined by commercially ELISA kits and the rela-tion of infection with socio-demographic and risk factors such as age, education, occupation, cat ownership, soil contact and some other factors was studied.
Results: From 555 tested sera of pregnant women referred to Health Center in Gorgan, 39.8% had IgG antibodies against T. gondii and 3.4% were positive for IgM antibodies. A significant correlation was seen between T. gondii infection with age and soil contact.
Conclusion: About 60% of pregnant women in Gorgan City are seronegative against T. gondii, so they should considered as at risk persons.