From the Dept, of Parasitology. School of Medical Sciences. Tarbiat Modarres University
Abstract: (4397 Views)
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease and ubiquitous in the world. Infection rate
in the tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity is higher than other areas.
The rate is lower in dry regions whether hot or cold. More than 200 species of warmblooded
animals are intermediate hosts and cats or members of the carnivore family
Felidae have been found to be definitive hosts.'
In Iran in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan, infection rate is
higher than other provinces (about 70%) while in the southern provinces of
Hormozgan, Sistan and Balouchestan, and Khuzestan, this rate is lower (about 12%).
Common routes of transmission of the infection are feeding of uncooked meat or
working with contaminated meat.
In this study, 3X7 blood samples of sheep from slaughterhouses in Tehran were
evaluated by the direct agglutination method. Prevalance rate was 61.24% and
indicated a potential danger for food hygiene. The main aim of this article is to inform
health officials as well as workers and housewives about this hazard.