Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women.
J Infect Dev Ctries
; 18(1): 60-65, 2024 Jan 31.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38377086
ABSTRACT
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.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Toxoplasma
/
Abortion, Spontaneous
/
Toxoplasmosis
Limits:
Animals
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Language:
En
Journal:
J Infect Dev Ctries
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Irán