Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

The Korea Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (대한기생충학·열대의학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Serologic Survey of Toxoplasmosis in Seoul and Jeju-do, and a Brief Review of Its Seroprevalence in Korea

  • Lim, Hyemi (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Eun (Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) ;
  • Jung, Bong-Kwang (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Min-Ki (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Mi Youn (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Nam, Ho-Woo (Department of Parasitology and Catholic Institute of Parasitic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Shin, Jong-Gyun (Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Yun, Cheong-Ha (Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Cho, Han-Ik (Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Shin, Eun-Hee (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chai, Jong-Yil (Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2012.09.21
  • Accepted : 2012.10.09
  • Published : 2012.12.17
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Knowledge of the prevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infection is required in the Republic of Korea. In this study, we surveyed the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and analyzed the risk factors associated with seropositivity among residents in 2 administrative districts; Seoul and the island of Jeju-do, which have contrasting epidemiologic characteristics. Sera and blood collected from 2,150 residents (1,114 in Seoul and 1,036 in Jeju-do) were checked for IgG antibody titers using ELISA and for the T. gondii B1 gene using PCR. In addition, participants completed a questionnaire that solicited information on gender, age, occupation, eating habits, history of contact with animals, and travel abroad. The T. gondii B1 gene was not detected in all residents examined. However, ELISA showed 8.0% (89 of 1,114 sera) positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii in Seoul and 11.3% (117 of 1,036 sera) in Jeju-do. In both districts, the positive rates were higher in males than in females, and those 40-79 years of age showed higher rates than other ages. In Seoul, residents older than 70 years of age showed the highest positive rate, 14.9%, whereas in Jeju-do the highest prevalence, 15.6%, was in those in their sixties. The higher seropositive rate in Jeju-do than in Seoul may be related to eating habits and occupations. The present results and a review of related literature are indicative of an increased seroprevalence of T. gondii in Korea in recent years.

Keywords

References

  1. Cenci-Goga BT, Rossitto PV, Sechi P, McCrindle CME, Cullor JS. Toxoplasma in animals, food, and humans: An old parasite of new concern. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2011; 8: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2010.0643
  2. Weiss LM, Dubey JP. Toxoplasmosis: A history of clinical observations. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39: 895-910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.02.004
  3. Tenter AM, Heckeroth AR, Weiss LM. Toxoplama gondii: from animal to humans. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30: 1217-1258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7519(00)00124-7
  4. Montoya JG, Remington JS. Management of Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47: 554-566. https://doi.org/10.1086/590149
  5. Dubey JP, Jones JL. Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans and animals in the United States. Int J Parasitol 2008; 38: 1257-1278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.03.007
  6. Soh CT, Lee SJ, Ahn YG. Latent infection by Toxoplasma gondii in Korea. Yonsei Med J 1960; 1: 52-54. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1960.1.1.52
  7. Choi WY, Yoo JE, Kim WG. Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect latex agglutination tests in St. Mary's Hospital patients. Korean J Parasitol 1982; 20: 33-37 (in Korean). https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1982.20.1.33
  8. Choi WY, Yoo JE, Chung CS, Paik KK, Cho SN. Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect latex agglutination tests in National Seoul Mental Hospital patients. Korean J Parasitol 1983; 21: 281-285 (in Korean). https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1983.21.2.281
  9. Yoo JA, Choi PH. The prevalence of antibodies for Toxoplasma in children. New Med J (Korea) 1986; 29: 1644-1648 (in Korean).
  10. Choi WY, Nam HW, Youn JH, Kim WS, Kim WG. Toxoplasma antibody titers by indirect latex agglutination test in Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital and Cheju Medical Center. Korean J Parasitol 1989; 27: 171-175. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1989.27.3.171
  11. Choi WY, Nam HW, Youn JH, Kim DJ, Kong Y, Kang SY, Cho SY. Detection of antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid to Toxoplasma gondii by indirect latex agglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Korean J Parasitol 1992; 30: 83-90. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1992.30.2.83
  12. Ryu JS, Min DY, Ahn MH, Choi HG, Rho SC, Shin YJ, Choi B, Joo HD. Toxoplasma antibody titers by ELISA and indirect latex agglutination test in pregnant women. Korean J Parasitol 1996; 34: 233-238. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1996.34.4.233
  13. Kook J, Lee HJ, Kim BI, Yun CK, Guk SM, Seo M, Park YK, Hong ST, Chai JY. Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers in sera of children admitted to the Seoul National University Hospital. Korean J Parasitol 1999; 37: 27-32. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1999.37.1.27
  14. Yang HJ, Jin KN, Park YK, Hong SC, Bae JM, Lee SH, Choi HS, Hwang HS, Chung YB, Lee NS, Nam HW. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the residents of Cheju island, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2000; 38: 91-93. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2000.38.2.91
  15. Hong SC, Yang HJ, Bae JM, Choi HS, Hwang HS, Oh HK, Yun DH. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in high school students in Cheju Province. Korean J Prev Med 2000; 33: 271-279 (in Korean).
  16. Lee YH, Noh HJ, Hwang OS, Lee SK, Shin DW. Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the rural area Okcheon-gun, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2000; 38: 251-256. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2000.38.4.251
  17. Bae JM, Yang HJ, Hong SC. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in teachers of child-bearing age in Cheju Island. Korean J Prev Med 2001; 34: 444-446 (in Korean).
  18. Song KJ, Shin JC, Shin HJ, Nam HW. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Korean pregnant women. Korean J Parasitol 2005; 43: 69-71. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2005.43.2.69
  19. Han K, Shin DW, Lee TY, Lee YH. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk factors associated with seropositivity of pregnant women in Korea. J Parasitol 2008; 94: 963-965. https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-1435.1
  20. Shin DW, Cha DY, Hua QJ, Cha GH, Lee YH. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and characteristics of seropositive patients in general hospitals in Daejeon, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2009; 47: 125-130. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2009.47.2.125
  21. Ko YH, Lee M, Shin SY, Koo SH, Song JH, Kim J, Kwon KC. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Daejeon, Korea. Lab Med Online 2011; 1: 190-194 (in Korean). https://doi.org/10.3343/lmo.2011.1.4.4
  22. Hong SJ, Chong CK, Lee K, Kim TS, Hong YP, Ahn HJ, Kim HY, Ko AR, Kim YJ, Nam HW. Maintained seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the residents of Jeju island, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2011; 49: 309-311. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.309
  23. Yang Z, Cho PY, Ahn SK, Ahn HJ, Kim TS, Chong CK, Hong SJ, Cha SH, Nam HW. A surge in the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the residents of island in Gangwha-gun, Incheon, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2012; 50: 191-197. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.191
  24. Ahn HJ, Cho PY, Ahn SK, Kim TS, Chong CK, Hong SJ, Cha SH, Nam HW. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the residents of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2012; 50: 225-227. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.225
  25. Candolfi E, Pastor R, Huber R, Filisetti D, Villard O. IgG avidity assay firms up the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis on the first serum sample in immunocompetent pregnant women. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 58: 83-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2006.12.010
  26. Leite M, Siciliano S, Rocha LS, Justa MT, Cesar KR, Granato CF. Correlation between specific IgM levels and percentage IgG-class antibody avidity to Toxoplasma gondii. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2008; 50: 237-242. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0036-46652008000400010
  27. Gay-Andrieu F, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Sickinger E, Espern A, Brennier-Pinchart MP, Braun HB, Pelloux H. Comparative evaluation of the ARCHITECT Toxo IgG, IgM and IgG Avidity assays for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies detection in pregnant women sera. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 65: 279-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.07.013
  28. Lee JA, Kim DH, Kim YK, Chung EH, Choi JH, Lee HJ, Chi JG, Chai JY, Lee YH. Two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. Infect Chemother (Korea) 2003;35: 45-52 (in Korean).
  29. Lee SE, Hong SH, Lee SH, Jeong YI, Lim SJ, Kwon OW, Kim SH, You YS, Cho SH, Lee WJ. Detection of ocular Toxoplasma gondii infection in chronic irregular recurrent uveitis by PCR. Korean J Parasitol 2012; 50: 229-231. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.229
  30. Lee SE, Kim JY, Kim YA, Cho SH, Ahn HJ, Woo HM, Lee WJ, Nam HW. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray and household cats in regions of Seoul, Korea. Korean J Parasitol 2010; 48: 267-270. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2010.48.3.267
  31. Choi WY, Nam HW, Kwak NH. Foodborne outbreaks of human toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 1997; 175: 1280-1282. https://doi.org/10.1086/593702

Cited by

  1. Chemotherapeutic drugs for common parasitic diseases in Korea vol.56, pp.6, 2012, https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2013.56.6.513
  2. Sex Bias in the Outcome of Human Tropical Infectious Diseases: Influence of Steroid Hormones vol.209, pp.suppl3, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jit610
  3. Does the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis and frequency of Rhesus-negative subjects correlate with the nationwide rate of traffic accidents? vol.61, pp.6, 2014, https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2014.061
  4. Prominent IL-12 Production and Tumor Reduction in Athymic Nude Mice after Toxoplasma gondii Lysate Antigen Treatment vol.52, pp.6, 2012, https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.6.605
  5. Toxoplasmosis – A Global Threat. Correlation of Latent Toxoplasmosis with Specific Disease Burden in a Set of 88 Countries vol.9, pp.3, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090203
  6. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis among Patients with Uveitis vol.22, pp.5, 2012, https://doi.org/10.3109/09273948.2013.841491
  7. Preliminary study on association between toxoplasmosis and breast cancer in Iran vol.5, pp.1, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30169-6
  8. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis among Patients with Uveitis vol.23, pp.2, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3109/09273948.2013.839798
  9. Toxoplasma gondii B1 Gene Detection in Feces of Stray Cats around Seoul, Korea and Genotype Analysis of Two Laboratory-Passaged Isolates vol.53, pp.3, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2015.53.3.259
  10. The 2015 Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment and Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Koreans: Guidelines for Opportunistic Infections vol.48, pp.1, 2016, https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2016.48.1.54
  11. Detection of Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in Cattle Raised in Gyeongbuk Province, Korea vol.79, pp.5, 2012, https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-512
  12. High Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity among Brain Tumor Patients in Korea vol.54, pp.2, 2016, https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2016.54.2.201
  13. Ocular Inflammation Associated with Systemic Infection vol.36, pp.3, 2016, https://doi.org/10.7599/hmr.2016.36.3.192
  14. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Cat Sitters in Korea vol.55, pp.2, 2012, https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2017.55.2.203
  15. The Association between Suicide Attempts and Toxoplasma gondii Infection vol.16, pp.1, 2018, https://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2018.16.1.95
  16. TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) screening of small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restricted neonates: efficacy study in a single institute in Ko vol.61, pp.4, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2018.61.4.114
  17. Tissue Fluid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay for Piglets Experimentally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii and Survey on Local and Imported Pork in Korean Retail Meat Markets vol.56, pp.5, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2018.56.5.437
  18. Status of common parasitic diseases in Korea in 2019 vol.62, pp.8, 2012, https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2019.62.8.437
  19. Effective Nanoparticle-Based Nasal Vaccine Against Latent and Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Sheep vol.11, pp.None, 2012, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.02183
  20. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: a neglected bane but a serious threat in Nigeria vol.147, pp.2, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1017/s0031182019001525