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/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.
Competing Interests: No Conflict of Interest is declared
(Copyright (c) 2024 Gholamreza Barzgar, Ehsan Ahmadpour, Mohammad Hasan Kohansal, Sirous Mehrani Moghaddam, Tohid Jafari Koshki, Aleksandra Barac, Veeranoot Nissapatorn, Alok K Paul, Jelena Micić.)