Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors in Durango, Mexico
Author Information
Author(s): Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme, Mercado-Suarez Miguel Francisco, Rodríguez-Briones Alfredo, Fallad-Torres Laura, Ayala-Ayala Julio Octavio, Nevarez-Piedra Luis Jorge, Duran-Morales Ehecatl, Estrada-Martínez Sergio, Liesenfeld Oliver, Márquez-Conde José Ángel, Martínez-García Sergio Arturo
Primary Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Juárez University of Durango State (UJED). Durango, Mexico
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Durango City, Mexico?
Conclusion
The prevalence of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors of Durango City, Mexico is lower than those reported in blood donors of south and central Mexico, and is one of the lowest reported in blood donors worldwide.
Supporting Evidence
- 7.4% of blood donors tested positive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies.
- 1.9% of blood donors tested positive for IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies.
- T. gondii infection was associated with having cats at home.
- Infection prevalence increased with age and decreased with educational level.
Takeaway
This study found that not many blood donors in Durango, Mexico have a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which is often spread by cats.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 432 blood donors tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies and socio-demographic data collected.
Limitations
The low number of infected donors limits the ability to find further associations with epidemiological characteristics.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of blood donors was 30.4 years, predominantly male, with most having up to 12 years of education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.45–10.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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