A review on toxoplasma gondii research in Armenia: Gaps and opportunities

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can infect humans and animals, through various transmission routes, causing toxoplasmosis. The infection can pose severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, as well as may lead to ocular and neurological disorders in some cases. The global prevalence of T. gondii infection varies depending on geographical, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. In Armenia, our understanding of T. gondii infection epidemiology remains limited, with scarce data on the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in both human and animal populations. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the available literature on T. gondii infection/toxoplasmosis research in Armenia identifying the knowledge gaps and outlining research priorities for future studies. We conducted a comprehensive search in different international databases and local libraries for articles published up to the end of 2023 using relevant keywords and inclusion criteria. We extracted the data on the serological methods, sample size and type, demographic and clinical characteristics, and main findings of each study. By synthesizing current research findings and identifying areas requiring further investigation, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of our understanding and management of T. gondii infection/toxoplasmosis in Armenia.