PSieroprevalenza dell’infezione da Toxoplasma gondii nella popolazione femminile, italiana e straniera, residente nell’area di Legnano (MI)

Introduction. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies prevalence varies worldwide, showing to be lower in industrializes countries of Northern Europe, and higher in developing countries. In Europe from the 80s’ to 2000 a progressive lessening of the prevalence within different ages was observed. Aim of our survey is to analyze the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies among Italian and foreign women afferent to Legnano Hospital from 2000 till 2005. Method. The IgG antibody level of anti-Toxoplasma was tested in 11246 women, aged between 15 and 44 years, 1230 of which (10.9%) were foreigners. Results. The prevalence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma decreased from the 31.2% in 2000 to the 21.4,% in the 2005 (P<0.01). Foreign women constituted 6.7% of our sample in 2000, growing up to 14.7% in 2005 (p<0.01). Seroprevalence among Italian women shifted from 31.4% in 2000 to 19.5% in 2005 (p<0.01), while among foreign women the seroprevalence remains stable around 30%. Conclusion. According to our data a decrease of immunity to the toxoplasmosis becomes apparent between 2000 and 2005, notwithstanding an increase of foreign women with higher seroprevalence.