SEROPREVALENCE OF OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE MAJOR REFERRAL EYE CENTRE IN AKURE, ONDO STATE

Abstract

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the toxoplasmosis infection affecting the eye. It is a major health demerit of Toxoplasma gondii infestation causing infectious posterior uveitis and consequent vision loss especially in developing countries and this informed the venture into this research study. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis among individuals attending the major referral eye centre in Ondo State and the number of cases of blindness attributable to OT, to determine the status of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among individuals attending the eye centre and the associated risk factors and socio-economic factors related to the infection. The study area was Akure South, Ondo State; the target population include referred and walk-in patients from all the 18 local government area attending the Millennium eye centre, Akure. Ethical approval was obtained from Ondo State Ministry of Health Ethical Board. A total of 409 respondents were surveyed. The subjects were adequately enlightened and their informed consent were obtained for sample collection. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on each subject and 5mls of blood samples were taken. Serological tests for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were carried out according to the Manufacturer’s instruction using commercial ELISA kit. A total of 409 respondents were surveyed. Ocular examination was also performed. Toxoplasma specific antibodies were detected in 52.1% of the eye patients examined. There was a higher prevalence among male than female (p = 0.272). The prevalence of Toxoplasmosis increased with age which was statistically significant (p= 0.001). The highest prevalence was found among farmers with a p value of 0.011. There was higher seropositivity among those without education (p= 0.037). The prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis within the study area was 1%. Ownership of cats, sources of water and methods of handling meat products as risk factors did not show any statistical significance. It was concluded that awareness among the residents of Ondo State on Toxoplasma infection, its transmission, symptoms and risk factors are needed.