ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Knowledge and practices towards toxoplasmosis among blood donors in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Bosson-Vanga Abo Henriette 1,2, Essy Kossia Jemima2, Assi Marie Alane 3, Angora Kpongbo Etienne, Bonouman-Ira Ama Valérie 2, Bedia-Tanoh Akoua Valérie1, Koné Estelle Gnanyo Massafoma.1, Konaté-Touré Abibatou1, Kassi Kondo Fulgence1, Kiki-Barro Pulcherie Christiane Marie1, Djohan Vincent.1, Yavo William.1, Menan Eby Ignace Hervé1 & Dembele Bamory4
1Departement of parasitology, University Félix Houphouët Boigny, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training and Research Unit, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
2Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
3Central Pharmacy of Cocody University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
4Laboratory of the National Blood Transfusion Center, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Abstract
Received 20 July, 2025; Revised August 2, 2025; Accepted 3 August, 2025 and Published 05 September, 2025
Toxoplasma gondii transmission occurs mainly through consumption of contaminated food or water, from mother to fetus during pregnancy, and after reactivation of the parasite in seropositive individuals who become immunocompromised. Toxoplasmosis can also occur during blood transfusions. Considering the risk of blood donors for susceptible recipients (immunosuppressed people and pregnant women), it is important to evaluate blood donors’ knowledge and identify their practices regarding toxoplasmosis to determine the associated risk factors. From January 2022 to October 2023, 1275 donors were included in this study. Their knowledge and practice data regarding toxoplasmosis were collected using a questionnaire. The survey results were statistically analyzed to determine correlations between knowledge and practices and factors such as age, sex, and education level. Most of them were men, aged approximately 38 years. Only 9.6% of them knew toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission. 14.1% and 27.6% of them were cat owners and gardeners, respectively, this status increased the risk of parasite exposure. This study showed a low rate of knowledge about prevention; thus the importance of integrating toxoplasmosis education into blood donation programs. This measure will reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission among blood donors.
Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Knowledge and practise, blood donors, Côte d’Ivoire.