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A zoonosis called toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii, occurs worldwide. The prevalence of Toxoplasma infection varies in different populations, probably due to differences in exposure to Toxoplasma oocysts deposited in the environment by cats, different eating habits, hygienestandards and differences in climatic conditions and geographical location with respect to altitude. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in two parts ofSlovenia depends on different climatic conditions and different geographicallocations. From 1 January 1999 to the end of 2003, 7134 pregnant women from the littoral area of the Adriatic coast were serologically examinedusing enzyme immunoassay for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and compared to8162 pregnant women from the continental central part of Slovenia who were serologically tested for Toxoplasma infection. In the Primorska region, where the weather is warm, dry and windy, and has a mild coastal climate without snow in winter, among 7134 pregnant women 4711 were Toxoplasma negative and 2185 (31%) Toxoplasma positive; 95% CI (30%, 32%). In the continental area, where the climate is more humid, with higher rainfall and colder winters with snow, among 8162 pregnant women's sera, 4922 were Toxoplasma negative and 3240(40%) Toxoplasma positive; 95% CI (39%, 41%). Statistically significant Toxoplasma positivity found among pregnant women in two areas of Slovenia (p |
