Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii causes a vision-threatening parasitic disease (ocular toxoplasmosis) which has been associated with posterior uveitis worldwide both in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. This study investigated the sero-prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among  undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. The serum samples of 150 participants (75 males and 75 females, aged 16-36 years) with history of eye infection were randomly collected and screened using a one-step Bio-check Toxo IgM/IgG Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (Blue Cross Bio-Medical Co., Ltd, Beijing, China). The demographic and clinical information of the participants were also collected using a structured questionnaire. The outcome of the study shows that out of the 150 participants screened, 3 (2.0%) participants tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody only, 1 (0.7%) tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody only, while 1 (0.7%) person tested positive to both anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies on the basis of gender and age among the study participants. Associated risk factors identified in this study include: Lack of awareness and poor knowledge of Toxoplasma gondii as aetiologic agent of ocular disease, wearing of contaminated contact lens, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, contact with soil through gardening and collection of garbage among several others. Indications for eye infection among the study participants who tested positive for T. gondii antibodies include: red eye, itchy eyes, ocular discharge, foreign body sensation, painful eye, and eyestrain among other signs and symptoms. The outcome of this study shows that Toxoplasma gondii infection exist among undergraduate students of Babcock University, Ogun State with history of ocular infection; hence the need for sero-positive individuals to visit the Ophthalmology Clinic for further diagnosis and treatment. Public health awareness campaign regarding the mode of transmission and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis should also be kick-start, intensified and sustained.