Frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies and associated variables among veterinary clinic personnel in Medellín, Colombia

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease of major public health importance. Veterinary clinic personnel may be exposed to the parasite through frequent contact with companion animals, biological materials, and contaminated environments. This exploratory analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG seropositivity and identify factors associated with previous exposure among personnel working in companion-animal veterinary clinics in Medellín, Colombia. Blood samples were collected from ۷۱ participants, and anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Sociodemographic, occupational, behavioral, and epidemiological information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Associations with seropositivity were evaluated using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in ۲۲ participants (۳۰.۹۹%). In the multivariate analysis, cat ownership was strongly associated with seropositivity, whereas consistent use of personal protective equipment was associated with significantly lower odds of previous exposure. No other evaluated variables reached statistical significance in the bivariate analysis. Although the wide confidence intervals reflect the limited sample size and the exploratory nature of the analysis, these findings provide the first evidence of previous T. gondii exposure among veterinary clinic personnel in Medellín and identify cat ownership and consistent PPE use as variables associated with seropositivity in this population. The results reinforce the importance of strengthening biosafety practices in veterinary clinics and support larger multicenter studies to better characterize occupational risk factors for toxoplasmosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Toxoplasmosis ، Toxoplasma gondii ، Seroepidemiology ، Colombia