SITUACIÓN EPIDEMIOLÓGICA DE LA TOXOPLASMOSIS EN HONDURAS

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal infection produced by the coccidium Toxoplasma gondii. It is transmitted to humans through oocysts found in cat faeces and through cysts found in raw or undercooked meat. It is one of the most disseminated diseases in the world, and we believe that Honduras is no exception, due to the fact that many epidemiological conditions found in this country are favorable for the propagation of the life cycle of the parasite. In this study, 4,588 blood samples were studied, collected from the 18 districts of Honduras. The samples were taken using filter paper, while ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) IgG were used to determine serological status. General seroprevalence was 48% by ELISA and 43% by IIF. There were no differences with regard to gender. All ages were found to be affected; seroprevalence increased from 32% in children less than four years old to 58% in individuals older than 65. The highest seroprevalence was found in the Districts of Colon (74%) and Islas de la Bahia (71%). The lowest were found in the Districts of Santa Barbara (7%) and Olancho (15%). Regions where the disease was widespread contained closed populations, whereas areas where the incidence was lower contained more open populations. In animals, seroprevalences in cats, pigs, and bovines were of 51%, 32%, and 23%, respectively. These results suggest that human infection is probably due to T. gondii soil contamination with oocytes from cat faeces and partially due to the consumption of raw or undercooked beef or pork.