Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women
Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite affecting a broad range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Infection acquired during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus and leading to serious problems such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or severe mental and...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Infection in Developing Countries |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/17832 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite affecting a broad range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Infection acquired during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus and leading to serious problems such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or severe mental and/or physical handicaps in the child. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and related risk factors in pregnant woman.
Methodology: The study enrolled 1200 serum samples of pregnant women from February-November 2017. Then the samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (Ab) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: Out of the 1200 samples, 381 (31.7%) and 41 (3.4%) subjects were positive for IgG and IgM Ab, respectively. Among the evaluated risk factors, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection was not related to the occupation in a significant way. However significant relationship was observed with factors such as; contact with soil, cats, consumption of raw washed vegetables, and washed hands before meals.
Conclusions: According to the results, more than two-thirds of pregnant women are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection, hence training health care programs should be provided to prevent infection.
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| ISSN: | 1972-2680 |