Seroprevalence of Specific Antibodies Against <i>Toxoplasma</i><i>gondii</i> Among Blood Donors in Abadan and Khorramshahr Cities, Southwest Iran

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a concern regarding the potential transmission from blood donors to recipients. Objectives: Several studies have been published on the epidemiology of T. gondii in blood donors; however, the present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in blood donors in the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, Southwest Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected via direct sampling in 2022. The presence and levels of T. gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood donors were investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between T. gondii seropositivity and demographic variables and risk factors. Results: A total of 345 blood donors were included in this study, of whom 110 (31.88%) had IgG seropositivity, while IgM seropositivity was detected in 6 donors (1.7%). Both IgG and IgM seropositivity were found in 5 donors (1.5%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between T. gondii seropositivity and the investigated demographic and behavioral variables. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the seroprevalence of T. gondii in blood donors in Khorramshahr and Abadan, as well as socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors, serving as a basis for future prevention programs.