INCIDENCIA DE TOXOPLASMA GONDII Y FACTORES DE RIESGO EN ESTUDIANTES DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS DE LA UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DE AMBATO

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, characterized by the presence of specific antibodies against this agent. Its life cycle involves cats as definitive hosts and various intermediate hosts, facilitating its transmission, particularly in individuals with greater contact with animals or agricultural environments. Objective: To determine the incidence of Toxoplasma gondii in students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the Technical University of Ambato. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted with 73 volunteer students. A survey was administered to assess risk factors, and blood samples were collected to measure IgG and IgM antibodies using the ELISA technique. The Chi-square statistical test was employed for data analysis. Results: Fifteen percent of participants had IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, with no detection of IgM antibodies. Of the seropositive cases, 73% were women. Additionally, a significant association was observed between a lack of knowledge about the disease and an increased risk of infection. Conclusion: Occupational factors related to student activities did not show a direct influence on the presence of antibodies, given the low incidence recorded in the study population.