First Report on Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Study in Blood Donors

Abstract

Aim: To provide the first data on the prevalence and basic demographic risk factors for human Toxoplasma gondii infection in the Banja Luka region, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Methods: Analysis of serological and epidemiological data in a series of 320 blood donors (aged 18-55 years) from the Banja Luka region tested for Toxoplasma infection in February 2015. Results: The overall prevalence of infection was 30.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.5-35.6). The risk factors included male gender (odds ratio [OR]=1.69; 95% CI=1.02-2.79), increasing age (OR=1.37; 95% CI=1.09-1.72), and living in rural area (OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.10-3.05). The prevalence of infection significantly increased with age and was higher in males and in residents of rural areas. Among women, the risk factor was the residence area (OR=2.39; 95% CI=1.08-5.30), whereas among men, it was age (OR=1.45; 95% CI=1.07-1.95). In the subgroup of women of childbearing age (aged 18-45 years), the prevalence was 22.3% (95% CI=14.9-29.7). Conclusion: This study provided the first data on the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in B&H, as well as insight into the demographic risk factors as a basis for a future prevention program for Toxoplasma infection.