Korean J Parasitol.  2017 Feb;55(1):9-13. 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.1.9.

High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT among the Residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-Gun, Incheon City, Korea

• Kim YH
• Lee J
• Ahn S
• Kim TS
• Hong SJ
• Chong CK
• Ahn HJ
• Nam HW

• KMID: 2374797
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2017.55.1.9

Abstract

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, Korea was surveyed for 4 years by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), GST-linker-SAG1A. Sera from 312, 343, 390, and 362 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Total positive seroprevalence regardless of gender was 29.2, 35.3, 38.7, and 45.3% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Positive seroprevalence in male adults was 43.9, 48.2, 45.4, and 55.3%, which was far higher than that of the corresponding female adults which was 20.7, 29.2, 33.9, and 38.9%, from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Seokmo-do may have been caused in part by peculiar changes in the toxoplasmic environment of the island as it is a relatively isolated area preserving its natural habitat while also being connected by a bridge to the mainland. Further study is necessary to find out symptomatic patients and to confirm the risk factors.

Keyword

Toxoplasma gondii; seroprevalence; rapid diagnostic test; Seokmo-do (Island); Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Antigens, Surface
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Ecosystem
Female
Humans
Incheon*
Korea*
Male
Risk Factors
Seroepidemiologic Studies*
Toxoplasmosis*
Antigens, Surface