Seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among two rural populations in northern Israel.

The prevalence 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 were 22.2% and 55.8% (P < 0.001). No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies and sex, occupation, contact with cats, a history of fever and/or lymphadenopathy, eye disease, abortions or delivery of children with congenital malformations. In contrast to Jewish children 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 prevalence of antibodies with age was seen in both groups, with the Jews reaching 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 different eating habits, namely ingestion of raw meat and unpasteurized milk and milk products.