Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT in Residents near the DMZ (demilitarized zone) of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea.
10.3347/kjp.2017.55.4.385
- Author:
Yeong Hoon KIM
1
;
Jihoo LEE
;
Young Eun KIM
;
Seongkyu AHN
;
Tong Soo KIM
;
Sung Jong HONG
;
Chom Kyu CHONG
;
Hye Jin AHN
;
Ho Woo NAM
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Toxoplasma gondii;
seroprevalence;
Cheorwon-gun;
DMZ;
RDT
- MeSH:
Adult;
Antigens, Surface;
Ecosystem;
Epidemiology;
Female;
Gangwon-do*;
Humans;
Korea*;
Male;
Seroepidemiologic Studies*;
Toxoplasma;
Toxoplasmosis*
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2017;55(4):385-389
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea, which partly includes the demilitarized zone (DMZ), were surveyed for 4 years and evaluated by RDT using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1A). Sera from 1336, 583, 526, and 583 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The total positive seroprevalence was 19.3, 21.9, 23.4, and 26.8% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The positive seroprevalence in men (23.6, 27.5, 29.5, 34.6%) was far higher than women (14.1, 18.3, 19.4, 21.4%), from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Cheorwon-gun may have been influenced in part by its geographical locality of the area as it includes the DMZ, where civilian access is strictly limited, thus creating a relatively isolated area that is a well-preserved habitat. Further research is necessary to study the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in this area.
