Toxoplasma gondii and women of reproductive age: an analysis of data from the Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Cracow.

The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of reproductive age within the Małopolska province who were examined in the Laboratory of Microbiological Diagnostics, Chair of Microbiology in Cracow in 2013-2014. Seventy-eight questionnaires completed by women of reproductive age (mean age 29.91±6.56) were analysed. In total, 82% of respondents signed up for serological testing while already pregnant (33 patients in the age group 18-29 years and 30 patients in the age group 30-39 years). Twenty- seven percent had no previous contact with the parasite. A statistically significant (chi-square=7.722, p=0.005) correlation between permanent residence in the countryside and the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was found. A significant correlation was shown in the studied group between a lack of contact with soil and negative results of serological tests for toxoplasmosis (chi-square=4.116, p=0.042). The majority of the surveyed women had already encountered this parasite. It seems that special attention should be given to rural women. Implementation of more precise testing in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is also essential.