Seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among two rural populations in northern Israel.

The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was measured in two rural populations in northern Israel--Jewish kibbutz members and Arab villagers. The respective prevalences in these two populations were 22.2% and 55.8% (P < 0.001). No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies and sex, occupation, contact with cats, a history of fever and/or lymphadenopathy, eye disease, abortions or delivery of children with congenital malformations. In contrast to Jewish children who were not found to have antibodies in the first decade of life, 20.5% of Arab children tested positive. A gradual increase in the prevalence of antibodies with age was seen in both groups, with the Jews reaching a prevalence of 42.6% at age 60+ and the Arabs reaching 74% at age 40. The difference between the two groups probably stems from different eating habits, namely ingestion of raw meat and unpasteurized milk and milk products.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among recently immigrating Ethiopian Jews.

Sera from 144 Ethiopian immigrants who arrived in Operation Solomon, 1991, living in three absorption centers in the Jezreel Valley were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Antibodies were found in 34% of the test group, with a rise in prevalence with age from 0% in the first decade to 46% in the > 40 age-groups. The prevalence in the Ethiopians was higher than in Jewish kibbutz members (22.8%) and lower than in Arab villagers (55.8%). During the reproductive years (age 20-39) the rate of seroconversion is 1% per year, and screening of pregnant Ethiopian women for antibodies to T. gondii should be considered.

The prevalence and incidence of Toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women.

A group of 213 pregnant Jewish women of Israeli and North-African/Asian origin in the Upper Gallilee in Israel were tested for Toxoplasma antibody, first at 4-12 weeks gestation and again 5-6 months later. Immunofluorescent antibody, Sabin-Feldman tests, and specific IgM estimation were used. The prevalence rates for seropositive women were lower in both groups (total 21%) than the rate found in a 1973 study in Israel. The incidence rate for infection acquired in pregnancy was 1.4%. There were no cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, as far as is known up to 3 years of age. More information on the prevalence and incidence of seropositivity, and on congenital toxoplasmosis, is required before a policy decision can be taken as to whether an antenatal screening program for toxoplasmosis should be instituted in Israel.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the Tel-Mond area.

Sera from 1,315 inhabitants of the Tel-Mond area were tested by the indirect immunofluorescent and Sabin Feldman tests for Toxoplasma antibodies. The overall prevalence of antibodies was 29.3%. Antibodies rose with age from 9.9% in the 1-4 year age-group up to 40.9% in the 45 age-group. There was no significant difference in prevalence of antibodies between the sexes. The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma was lower in those born in Israel (21.2%) than in immigrants from Europe, America, Australia (49.4%), and Africa, Asia (40.8%) in the age groups of 20-45+. An extremely high prevalence of antibodies (41.5%) was found in Moshav Porat, a low socioeconomic settlement.

Toxoplasmosis in Israel, 1970--73: evaluation of laboratory data.

Sera from 7,506 patients were examined for toxoplasma antibodies by the Sabin-Feldman dye test and the results were analyzed according to antibody level, by reason for referral, age and sex. Low antibody levels (less than 1:256) were found in 24.7% and significant titers (greater than or equal to 1:256), in 9.96%. The highest prevalence of significant antibody titers was in patients with lymphadenopathy (15.4%). The prevalence of significant titers was high in the age range of 5 to 19 years, whereas the prevalence of low titers rose with age. Toxoplasma antibodies were found in 29% of a control group of 554 apparently healthy adult women, but only in 2.7% was the titer significant.