Naturally occurring toxoplasma antibodies in serum and milk of lactating women.

Serum and milk of lactating women were tested for toxoplasmosis using specific-IgG IFAT. Apparently healthy 70 women were selected: 54 from rural and 16 from urban areas. Serum and milk were simultaneously collected from each one. Sera were positive in 22 (31.4%) of the total 70; including 16 (29.6%) and 6 (37.5%) of rural and urban groups respectively. No statistical significant difference was found for positivity and titre levels between the two groups (P greater than 0.05). Milk was positive in 12 (17.1%) of the 70 women; including 10 (18.5%) and 2 (12.5%) from rural and urban groups respectively, having no statistical significant difference (P greater than 0.05). Comparing serum and milk for positivity and titre levels, also there was no statistical significant difference (P greater than 0.05). It is concluded that relatively low antibody levels in serum could be excreted in milk and may be protective for suckling babies. Occurrence of antibodies in serum and milk are homogeneously distributed between rural and urban inhabitants.