The Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Blood Donors in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

This study intended to determine the prevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii among blood donors in Tripoli city.
It will also investigate some of the environmental and personal factors that may contribute to infection. Serum
samples of 500 blood donors aged (18 to 55) years obtained from donors came to Tripoli Medical Center, Central
Blood Bank, Central Hospital were presented to blood donation. Screening for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies
using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted.
Serological results, reflecting T. gondii prevalence rate, were statistically analyzed and linked to epidemiological
data collected through a standard questionnaire. The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG was (36%). The
highest rates were among blood donors older than 40 years (55.38%). There significant statistical relation between
seroprevalence results and keeping cats, receiving blood transfusion, and that drinking wells water. The study
indicates that there a considerable rate of Toxoplasma infection among blood donors in Tripoli city, and this
supports the concern that, Libyan people may be vulnerable to that infection. It was recommended that there is a
need to provide health education to individuals in order to prevent infection, also to introduce a national screening
programmed of toxoplasmosis in all Blood Banks in Libya