High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT among the Residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-Gun, Incheon City, Korea.
- Author:
Yeong Hoon KIM
1
;
Jihoo LEE
;
Seongkyu AHN
;
Tong Soo KIM
;
Sung Jong HONG
;
Chom Kyu CHONG
;
Hye Jin AHN
;
Ho Woo NAM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii; seroprevalence; rapid diagnostic test; Seokmo-do (Island); Korea
- MeSH: Adult; Antigens, Surface; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Ecosystem; Female; Humans; Incheon*; Korea*; Male; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies*; Toxoplasmosis*
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology 2017;55(1):9-13
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, Korea was surveyed for 4 years by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), GST-linker-SAG1A. Sera from 312, 343, 390, and 362 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Total positive seroprevalence regardless of gender was 29.2, 35.3, 38.7, and 45.3% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Positive seroprevalence in male adults was 43.9, 48.2, 45.4, and 55.3%, which was far higher than that of the corresponding female adults which was 20.7, 29.2, 33.9, and 38.9%, from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Seokmo-do may have been caused in part by peculiar changes in the toxoplasmic environment of the island as it is a relatively isolated area preserving its natural habitat while also being connected by a bridge to the mainland. Further study is necessary to find out symptomatic patients and to confirm the risk factors.
