Abstract: Objective To understand the status of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) prevalence and related factors among special population in Wuhu City for evidence to formulate preventive measures for toxoplasmosis.Methods Subjects for current study were selected from pregnant women,individuals with domestic cats/dogs,workers in livestock processing industry,tumor patients and victims of HIV/AIDS infection.All participants underwent detection of the serum IgG and IgM antibodies against T.gondii using ELISA,and questionnaires on the epidemiological aspects of the infection.Then the risk factors were analyzed.Results Totally,3 378 subjects were included.Prevalence of T.gondii was 11.07%,in which 0.83% and 10.24% were positive for IgM and IgG,respectively.The infection rate was the highest in population aged 60 year or over(14.13%),and varied statistically in different age group(χ²=
17.327,P <0.05),whereas was the lowest in population with higher educational level,and the difference was statistically significant in participants with different educational background (χ²=20.278,P <0.05).T.gondii infection occurred in pregnant women,individuals with domestic cats/dogs,workers in livestock processing industry,tumor patients and victims of HIV/AIDS infection,respectively by 9.65%,12.03%,12.75%,15.68% and 7.06%,with significant difference among groups(χ ²=15.625,P <0.05).Observation on the susceptibility factors showed that T.gondii infection was statistically associated with regular consumption of hotpot dishes and barbecued food,mixed use of the same chopping board for processing foods and poor knowledge on prevention of toxoplasmosis.Conclusion The infection rate of T.gondii remains relatively higher in special population in Wuhu City,which suggests that this group of people should be strengthened with health education in knowledge of T.gondii infection in order to improve their awareness on personal protection as well as the hygiene practices and diet habits.

Key words: Toxoplasma gondii , Special population, Infection survey, Wuhu City