Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Its Association with Gender and Age among Patients Attending Al-Bayda Medical Center, Libya

• Fathy Awad

  Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tobruk University, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Nisreen Abdulali

  Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally prevalent intracellular protozoan parasite and a significant public health concern due to its asymptomatic nature, lifelong persistence, and potential to cause severe disease in vulnerable populations. This hospital-based cross-sectional study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its association with age and gender among patients attending Al-Bayda Medical Center, Libya, in 2025. A total of 124 patients (94 females, 30 males) aged <1–51 years were included. Venous blood samples were collected, and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using the Maccura i1000 Automatic Chemiluminescence Immunoassay System. Results indicated that 32 participants (25.8%) were IgG positive, reflecting past or chronic infection, while 92 participants (74.2%) were seronegative. No IgM-positive cases were detected, suggesting the absence of acute infection. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between seroprevalence and gender (p > 0.05), whereas age was significantly associated with IgG positivity (p < 0.05), with older individuals more likely to exhibit past infection. The high proportion of seronegative individuals highlights a large at-risk population, especially among women of childbearing age. These findings provide baseline epidemiological data for T. gondii infection in eastern Libya and underscore the importance of preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns and routine serological screening, to reduce the risk of primary infection and potential congenital toxoplasmosis. The study emphasizes age as a key determinant of exposure, while gender appears not to influence seropositivity in this population.

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