Seroprevalence, Associated Factors, and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Brazilian Gold Miners Working Informally in French Guiana

Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a widely distributed zoonosis with relevance in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection in Brazilian miners working informally in French Guiana. To this end, 480 individuals were recruited from resting places in the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. Whole blood samples on filter paper were analyzed for IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA. Nested PCR of the GRA7 gene was used to detect parasite DNA. Sociodemographic information, characteristics of the mining sites, and lifestyle data were collected using epidemiological questionnaires analyzed using univariate and multivariable models. The results showed that 79.3% of the individuals were IgG seropositive, while 0.8% were IgM seropositive. These were also IgG seropositive. In addition, T. gondii DNA was detected in 2% of the samples analyzed by nPCR, all of which were IgG seropositive and none of which were IgM seropositive. The high seropositivity observed, without association with sociodemographic or occupational variables, suggests that T. gondii exposure may be driven by environmental conditions related to Amazonian mining. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of environmental transmission sources and support targeted public health interventions, including improved water safety, sanitation, surveillance, and health education tailored to mining communities.