A total of 1500 blood donors were examined for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG), and (IgM), by serological
techniques. Eighty normal cross matched controls were subjected to the same examination.
The aim of this study is to examine the sero prevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii in northern region of Jordan
population among blood donors. A retrospective study was carried out at Prince Rashid Bin Al-Hassan Military
Hospital in the north region of Jordan over one year period in 1999.
Fresh blood samples were randomly drawn from all donors. Serum was separated and stored at -20 Cº until it was
tested. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA ).
A total of 1500 (1200 males, 300 females) blood donors were screened for toxoplasma gondii antibodies IgG and
IgM. The prevalence of toxoplasma among the study population was 35.5% and the prevalence in males and
females were 35.8% and 34.3% , respectively.
The peak age range of toxoplasma gondii antibodies IgG donors among males 20 to 29 years; followed 30 to 39,
40 to 49, and< 20 years respectively. Among the female donors, the highest detection of Toxoplasma gondii
antibodies IgG was between the ages of 20 to 29, followed by 30 to 39 years, < 20 years and by age from 40-49
years, respectively.
The lowest seropositivity was in the age group ≥ 50 years among males and females. So we concluded that
seropositivity in our donors was significant, and previous studies carried out in Jordan and other countries
indicated the high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
The results obtained in this study, expanded immunization programme must be introduced considering all age
groups. Future studies are necessary to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in more
common populations by using sensitive screening methods.
Key Words: Toxoplasma gondii, Blood donors.
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