Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent human parasitic infections that causes serious reproductive and economic losses all over the world.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in the Human Population of District Charsadda, KP, Pakistan.

Methodology: The present study was conducted in the district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to know the seroprevalence of T. gondii in humans during August 2022 to March 2023. For this purpose, a total of 600 blood samples (300 from males and 300 from females) were randomly collected. Blood samples were analyzed for T. gondii infection and T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies by using an Immunochromatographic test (ICT). For T. gondii detection 3-5 ml blood was collected blood was centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes. Strips were laid out on a level, spotless surface. Add 2-3 drops of serum to the strip while holding the dropper vertically, and was left on for approximately 15 minutes to observe results and interpret accordingly.

Results: Out of a total of 600 subjects, 103 were infected with Toxoplasma gondii infection. The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was 17.16%. The female showed higher (21.33%) seroprevalence as compared to males (13%). Most of the cases were found positive for IgG antibodies 86 (83.5%), while 16.5 % had IgM in their blood. The relationship between age and Toxoplasma gondii showed that the parasite had the highest seroprevalence incidence (19.31%) in the individual age group 21-30 years. The high seroprevalence rate of T. gondii is 26.29% having contact with cats, followed by 25.54% in bad hygienic condition, 23.85% in low economic condition, and 22.59% houses made from mud. High seroprevalence of 33% is also recorded in those individuals who eat meat frequently.

Conclusion:

The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the Human population of district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was 17.16%. Its Prevalence decreases as the age of hosts increases and gender showed a difference with higher seroprevalence in women than men.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, IgM and IgG antibodies, Immunochromatographic test (ICT).