Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Risk factors include consumption of undercooked meat, raw vegetables, and unfiltered water. Aim: This study aims to screen antibodies titer in toxoplasmosis positive patients in Asabieh city in Libya and to screen risk factors associated with infection in this area. Study design: Data were collected using a cross-sectional design. Study Duration and Location: Data were collected from patients of different ages and gendersattending Ali Omar Ascar hospital, Asabieh, during the period of January 2017 to January 2018. Methodology: A single blood sample was collected from 150 patients and spun at 3000 rpm to obtain serum. The serum samples were analysedto detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA, BioChec) kit according to manufacturer’s instructions. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on farm animal’s contact, the process of vegetables washing, meatcooking, Water resource and raw water consumption. Results: The total seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 78.6%,out of which IgG and IgM were 68%, and 77.4% respectively. Several risk factors were identified, including daily contact with farm animals (82.6% were +ve, P = .0.01), unfiltered water (61.3% were +ve; P = 0.003). Conclusion: asabieh area showed a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis, and many environmental risk factors associated with the infection as animal hosts, human lifestyle were also identified, that could help to reduce the risk of spreading and transmission of infection among the populations in the future.