Seroprevalence Of Toxoplasma Gondii And Socioeconomic And Health Determinants In A Rural Population Of Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis remains a neglected zoonosis that disproportionately affects rural populations due to socioeconomic and sanitation vulnerabilities. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (IgG and IgM) and identify associated socioeconomic and health risk factors among patients attending the San José de Chazo Health Post in Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 187 participants, including a subcohort of pregnant women. Serum samples were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgG and IgM antibodies. Sociodemographic and health data were collected via validated structured surveys, and statistical associations were evaluated using the chi-square test. Results: The population had high historical exposure to the parasite, with an overall IgG seroprevalence of 62.03%, while acute infections (IgM) were notably low at 4.28%. Among pregnant women, 50% tested positive for IgG and 0% for IgM. The population faced significant socioeconomic limitations: 84% were engaged in agriculture, and 87% earned less than the minimum wage. A statistically significant association was observed between IgG seropositivity and inadequate management of feline feces (χ² = 6.394, p = 0.041). Furthermore, a profound gap in health education was evident: 95% of the population lacked basic knowledge about the disease. Conclusions: The high chronic burden of T. gondii in this rural community is driven primarily by domestic zoonotic exposures, specifically inadequate management of feline waste and a profound structural deficit in health education. Mitigating morbidity from this neglected zoonosis requires an urgent shift toward proactive public health strategies that prioritize culturally tailored educational interventions and continuous prenatal serological screening.