Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Yemen: Factors associated with high seroprevalence

Introduction: Although toxoplasmosis is an important public health problem, there is scarcity of data on the disease available from Yemen. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in health facilities to determine seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Sana’a, the capital city of Yemen. Methodology: A total of 593 pregnant women were included and examined for anti-T. gondii antibodies (Ab) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bio and socio-demographic data were collected by pre-tested structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 45.4% (95% confidence interval: 41%–49%). The prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM was 43.7 (95% CI: 40–%48%) and 9.1% (95% CI: 7%–12%), respectively. About 7.4 (95% CI: 6%–10%) of pregnant women were seropositive for both IgG and IgM Abs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for toxplasmosis (IgG and/or IgM): age ≥ 25 years (adjusted OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.44–2.84, p < 0.001), rearing cats in the house (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.20–2.55, p = 0.004), and contact with soil (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.32–2.75, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study reported high seroprevalence among pregnant women in Sana’a, Yemen, with a high proportion of pregnant women having a possibility of acute toxoplasmosis. This highlights the need for including routine screening for T. gondii in pregnant women in the country’s antenatal clinics. In addition, health education on the mode of transmission of toxoplasmosis should be provided for pregnant women in Yemen.

Download Full-text

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies: Prevalence and Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Accessing Antenatal Care in Some Primary Health Centers in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Journal of Health Science Research ◽

10.7324/jhsr.2021.612 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 9-17

Author(s):

Ocheme Julius Okojokwu ◽

Innocent Ajegba Onaji ◽

Entonu Elijah Entonu ◽

Bashiru Abubakar ◽

Maryam Adebayo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

High Rate ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Igm Antibody ◽

Primary Health

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes high rate of gestational and congenital infection across the globe and is considered a both a public health problem and a neglected disease. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in some Primary Health Centres in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study carried out within 5 months between Jan – May 2019, a total of 182 blood samples were collected from consenting pregnant women. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demography and risk factors. Three millilitres (3 ml) of blood samples were collected from the study participants. Sera were separated from the blood and evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data collected from the experiment were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Out of the 182 samples examined, 84 (46.2%) had anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody, 2 (1.1%) had IgM antibody while 98 (53.4%) were neither seropositive for IgG nor IgM. Trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. In conclusion, Toxoplasmosis is prevalent in Jos. Eleven out of every 1000 women (i.e. 1.1%) had recent toxoplasmosis and 53.4% were not protected against primary infection thereby underscoring the need for prevention and control during pregnancy through enlightenment.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized and Yirgalem General Hospitals, in Southern Ethiopia

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4694-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Demissie Assegu Fenta

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Intrauterine Death ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Unpasteurized Milk ◽

Antenatal Clinics ◽

Undercooked Meat

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing tissue cyst, food or water contaminated with oocyst and congenital infection through the placenta leading to serious congenital abnormalities in the fetus like miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine death and neurologic defects. Therefore; this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection and its possible risk factors associated with pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Hawassa and Yiregalem Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to May 2017. The study was done in antenatal care clinics of Hawassa and Yiregalem Hospitals in Southern, Ethiopia. Five hundred pregnant women were interviewed with a pretested structured questionnaire to collect risk factors and socio-demographic data. Blood samples were collected and serum was separated and tested for anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. The risk factors were tested for significance using Bivariate and multivariate analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The weighted prevalence of this study was 81.8% for the anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibody. Almost all participants (99.6%) had no information about the disease. A significant association was observed between seroprevalence and contact with domestic cats (OR = 1.206, 95% CI (1.627–2.206, P = 0.043), consumption of raw meat (OR = 0.848, 95% CI: 1.517–2.941, P = 0.019) and unpasteurized milk (OR = 0.871, 95% CI 1.531–2.221, P = 0.032). A significant association was not observed between seroprevalence and age, history of abortion, and blood transfusion. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrated a relatively higher prevalence of seropositivity than studies reported from other countries. Existence of domestic cats at home, consumption of undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Therefore, a health education program to increase the mother’s knowledge about toxoplasmosis towards avoiding eating undercooked meat, contact with cats and consumption of unpasteurized milk during pregnancy is recommended. Furthermore, our results suggested that the implementation of newborn screening and follow-up testing can lead to reducing of toxoplasmosis associated complications.

Download Full-text

Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.1155/2021/5547667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Shahrzad Soltani ◽

Ali Dalir Ghaffari ◽

Mehdi Sagha Kahvaz ◽

Mohamad Sabaghan ◽

Marzieh Pashmforosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Risk ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Southwest Iran

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat ( P value = 0.007) and history of abortion ( P value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.

Download Full-text

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with liver disease in eastern China

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268817001327 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 145 (11) ◽

pp. 2296-2302 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

A. L. TIAN ◽

G. X. LI ◽

H. M. ELSHEIKHA ◽

D. S. GARDNER ◽

X. Y. ZHANG ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Eastern China ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

SUMMARYThe role of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in the pathogenesis of liver disease has recently gained much interest. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in patients with liver disease from three cities in Shandong and Henan provinces, China. A case–control study was conducted from December 2014 to November 2015 and included 1142 patients with liver disease and 1142 healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from all individuals and were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Information on the demographics, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics of the participants was collected from the medical records and by the use of a questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG was 19·7% in patients with liver disease compared with 12·17% in the controls. Only 13 patients had anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies compared with 12 control individuals (1·14% vs. 1·05%, respectively). The highest seroprevalence was detected in patients with liver cancer (22·13%), followed by hepatitis patients (20·86%), liver cirrhosis patients (20·42%), and steatosis patients (20%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that consumption of raw meat (odds ratio (OR) = 1·32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·01–1·71; P = 0·03) and source of drinking water from wells (OR = 1·56; 95% CI 1·08–2·27; P = 0·01) were independent risk factors for T. gondii infection in liver disease patients. These findings indicate that T. gondii infection is more likely to be present in patients with liver disease. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward health education of populations at high risk of T. gondii infection and measures should be taken to protect vulnerable patients with liver disease.

Download Full-text

Toxoplasma gondii prevalence and risk factors in owned domestic cats from Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand

Veterinary Integrative Sciences ◽

10.12982/vis.2021.043 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 557-566

Author(s):

Ruenruetai Udonsom ◽

◽

Ruangrat Buddhirongawatr ◽

Yoshifumi Nishikawa ◽

Ragab M. Fereig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Latex Agglutination ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

High Seroprevalence ◽

Multivariable Analyses ◽

Stray Cat ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Domestic cats are a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in domestic cats. Cat sera (n = 182) were tested for T. gondii IgG antibodies using the latex agglutination test (LAT) and the GRA7 of T. gondii (TgGRA7)-indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with T. gondii infection. The overall prevalence rates were 18.1% (33/182) according to LAT, 19.2% (35/182) according to the iELISA and 17.0% (31/182) according to LAT and iELISA. Univariable analyses identified, outdoor access (P = 0.006), being a former stray cat (P = 0.001) and successful hunting behaviors (P = 0.04) as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Outdoor access (OR 2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–6.72) and is a former stray cat (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.52–8.96) remained significant risk factors in multivariable analyses. This study indicated a relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii among domestic cats. Cat owners can reduce the risk for T. gondii infection by not allowing their cats to roam free. Furthermore, education about the transmission of the parasite should be provided to prevent infection to the owners.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2016

Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.4102/sajid.v35i1.25 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Berta E. Van der Colf ◽

Gert U. Van Zyl ◽

Bruce H. Noden ◽

Dismas Ntirampeba

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Immunoglobulin M ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Igg Avidity ◽

Specific Igg

Background: When a pregnant woman contracts Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy, it may be vertically transmitted to the foetus. Information on the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in developing countries is scarce. Most studies focus on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women attending public antenatal care in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2016.Methods: In this descriptive study, 344 urban pregnant women attending public antenatal care were voluntarily enrolled in the study. Seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined by automated immunoassay. Samples with a positive T. gondii IgG result were tested for T. gondii Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and specific IgG avidity by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. A questionnaire captured demographic data and exposure to risk factors. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and R.Results: Anti-T. gondii IgG was found in nine (2.61%) pregnant women. There was no association of anti-T. gondii IgG with demographic characteristics or exposure to risk factors.Anti-T. gondii IgM was positive in one (0.3%) woman, while three (0.9%) women had borderline anti-T. gondii IgM results. Specific IgG avidity was low, equivocal and high in 0%, 33% and 67% of seropositive pregnant women, respectively.Conclusion: Seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG is much lower in Namibia than is reported in other developing countries. Investigation into specific IgM seropositivity and IgG avidity showed that pregnant women in the central region of Namibia are at low risk of vertical transmission and development of CT.

Download Full-text

Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Plateau State, Nigeria

Virology Research and Treatment ◽

10.4137/vrt.s15422 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. VRT.S15422 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Surajudeen A. Junaid ◽

Samuel E. Agina ◽

Khadijah A. Abubakar

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Waste Disposal ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Animal Handlers

A cross-sectional study in Nigeria was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, of hepatitis E virus (HEV). A total of 462 subjects were used for the study, categorized into four groups: apparently healthy persons, pregnant women, HIV positive subjects, and animal handlers. Information was obtained from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 statistical software. The overall seroprevalence of IgG and IgM was 42.7 and 0.9%, respectively. Animal handlers had the highest seroprevalence (66.7%). The associated risk factors for IgM seroprevalence were rural dwelling ( P = 0.039, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–15.4), blood transfusion ( P < 0.001, OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.6–35.6), attending to animals ( P = 0.032, OR 4.9, 95% CI 0.9–26.6), and waste disposal ( P < 0.001). Factors associated with IgG were age ( P = 0.044), location ( P < 0.001), marital status ( P < 0.001), formal education ( P < 0.001), farming as occupation ( P < 0.001), rural dwelling ( P = 0.001), waste disposal ( P < 0.001), alcohol consumption ( P = 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), open defecation ( P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.7), attending to animals ( P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.4), consuming unwashed fruits/vegetables ( P < 0.001, OR 4.2, 95% CI 0.3–54.1), and stream/river as a source of drinking water ( P < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8). Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities, particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women. Potable water should be provided for all communities. Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.

Download Full-text

Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and the associated risk factors in sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2020.54-60 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 54-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset ◽

Maha I. Hamed ◽

Mostafa F. N. Abushahba ◽

Mohamed S. Rawy ◽

Amal S. M. Sayed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Latex Agglutination ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Sheep Meat ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Records ◽

The Impact

Background and Aim: The cosmopolite protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, has a significant economic and medical impact. Cats traditionally play a predominant role in the disease maintenance cycle; however, humans can be infected as a result of milk and meat consumption of Toxoplasma-infected livestock. In addition, infected pregnant women, even symptomless, can pass the disease to their unborn fetus. The limited clinical records and absence of specific national educational programs in countries like Egypt underscore the need for periodic toxoplasmosis disease evaluation. Here, we identified T. gondii seroprevalence among sheep and pregnant women and the associated risk factors in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: Using peripheral blood, we detected T. gondii-specific antibodies in 151 sheep and 96 pregnant women sera from El-Minya Governorate using latex agglutination and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of different environmental and behavioral risk factors identified with in-person interviews and serology results on acquiring toxoplasmosis was statistically analyzed. Results: The overall toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was 39.1% and 22.9% in sheep and pregnant women, respectively. Significantly higher seroprevalence was correlated with increasing sheep age and geographical location. Nonetheless, no statistical significance was found based on abortion history and pregnancy status of the examined sheep. Exposure factors important for pregnant women included pregnancy trimester, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat, which all had a statistically significant association with Toxoplasma seropositivity. Conclusion: The current study confirms increased antibodies against toxoplasmosis in both sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate and a clear association between women's age, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat and seroreactivity to T. gondii. These results strongly suggest the need for a more comprehensive epidemiological study and public health awareness education for toxoplasmosis.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma Gondii Among Pregnant Women in Southwest Iran

International Journal of Infection ◽

10.5812/iji.116379 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Shahrzad Soltani ◽

Ali Dalir Ghaffari ◽

Mehdi Sagha Kahvaz ◽

Mohamad Sabaghan ◽

Marzieh Pashmforosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Immunoglobulin M ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Seroprevalence Rate ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Southwest Iran

Background: Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy period can cause congenital toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence rate of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against T. gondii infection during pregnancy and the associated risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods: This study was performed on 88 pregnant women from October to December 2019 in Khorramshahr County, Khuzestan province, Iran. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were tested through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: Following serological assays, 38.63% (34/88) and 2.27% (2/88) serum samples were positive for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Also, a statistically significant association was observed between IgG seroprevalence and drinking of unpurified water (P = 0.015). Conclusions: The serological evidence revealed that pregnant women of southwest Iran had moderate exposure to T. gondii parasite. Since the risk of acquiring acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women is clinically important, we highly recommend regular screening tests for T. gondii infection during pregnancy period.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology ◽

10.4314/ajcem.v21i2.6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 123-131

Author(s):

N.F. Nguemaïm ◽

W.A. Takang ◽

W.P. Dobgima ◽

B.M. Guebidiang ◽

P. Foumane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

Regional Hospital ◽

P Value ◽

Pet Ownership ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, coccidian parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This infection, if acquired during pregnancy may result in severe damage. It affects a third of the world’s population. In many developing countries, its prevalence is unknown, and data concerning its seroprevalence among pregnant women is scarce in our study area. The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon. The results obtained will be useful in giving an estimate of the prevalence among pregnant women thus informing policy on preventive measures. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of pregnant women recruited between January and April 2018 using systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data of participants and predisposing factors to toxoplasmosis were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered to them. Five milliliters of blood were collected and the serum screened for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using the cassette and buffer immunochromatographic method. The positive IgG cases were tested further by ELISA technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Associations between variables were tested by Chi square and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of 127 women tested, 44 were seropositive for IgG T. gondii infection (34.6%) by cassette and buffer method and only 1 with both IgG and IgM antibodies(0.8) were found among them with Elisa test. Pet ownership and handling of their litters were risk factors significantly associated with toxoplasmosis (p=0.013 and 0.006 respectively). Although the frequencies of consumption of raw dried meat and farming among the subjects were high, their associations with toxoplasmosis were not statistically significant.Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies among the pregnant women is still high compared with previous finding in the same area (34.6 % for IgG and 0.8% for IgG and IgM). Pet ownership and handling of their litters were risk factors significantly associated with toxoplasmosis in this study. Screening of pregnant women during ANC and treatment of positive cases, are necessary to prevent congenital infections in the newborn. Health education on how to minimize exposure to the risk factors should be given.Keywords: Risk factors, toxoplasmosis, congenital transmission, serological diagnosis.

Download Full-text