Seroepidemiological Study of Toxoplasmosis in Kavar District, Fars Province, Southern Iran: A Community-Based Survey

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic infection affecting both humans and animals. Its prevalence varies widely across regions depending on geographical, climatic, dietary, and social factors. This study aimed to assess the seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis among residents of Kavar district, Fars Province, southern Iran.Methods: A t otal o f 1,413 a dults r esiding i n K avar d istrict participated in this community-based survey. Venous bloodsamples (5 mL) were collected from each participant, and sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using an in-house ELISA. All positive samples were subsequently retested with a commercial ELISA kit for confirmation. Datawere analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between seropositivity and demographic or health-related variables.Results: Of the participants, 708 (50.1%) were men and 705 (49.9%) were women. The largest age group was 46–55 years (n=579, 41%), while the smallest was 56–70 years (n=374, 26.5%). Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 155 individuals, yielding a seroprevalence of 11%. No significant associations were observed between seropositivity and age, sex, occupation, or pre-existing health conditions. However, a significant correlation was found between toxoplasmosis and exposure to cats.Conclusion: The study revealed a notable seroprevalence (11%) of toxoplasmosis among residents of Kavar district, which is lower than the national average reported in Iran. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education and preventive strategies, particularly regarding cat exposure, to reduce the risk of infection in this region.