SEROPREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST TOXOPLASMA-GONDII AMONG 2 RURAL POPULATIONS IN NORTHERN ISRAEL

The prevelance of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was measured in two rural populations in northern Israel - Jewish kibbutz members and Arab villagers. The respective prevalences in these two populations w ere 22.2% and 55.8% (P<0.001). No correlation was found between the pr esence of antibodies and sex, occupation, contact with cats, a history of fever and/or lymphadenopathy, eye disease, abortions or delivery o f children with congenital malformations. In contrast to Jewish childr en who were not found to have antibodies in the first decade of life, 20.5% of Arab children tested positive. A gradual increase in the prev alence of antibodies with age was seen.in both groups, with the Jews r eaching a prevalence of 42.6% at age 60+ and the Arabs reaching 74% at age 40. The difference between the two groups probably stems from dif ferent eating habits, namely ingestion of raw meat and unpasteurized m ilk and milk products.