Sero-epidemiology ofToxoplasmosis among Pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v16i1.203Keywords:
Toxoplasma gondii, Pregnancy, ELISA, Risk factorsAbstract
Objectives: To determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out in 2013 involved two hundred and eighty-eight (288) pregnant women who gave informed consent. Questionnaires were administered to determine their socio-demographic and risk factors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on all patients’ sera to detect anti-Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM). Data was analyzed using the statistical package Epi info version 6.04d.
Results: A total of one hundred and eighty-nine women (65.6 %) were sero-positive for IgM and/or IgG. Thirty-three (11.5%) were positive for IgM only, one hundred and twenty-three (42.4%) for IgG only and thirty-three (11.5%) for both. Consumption of beef was a statistically significant risk factor associated.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of pregnant women have been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, with the risk factor significantly associated with infection being consumption of beef, this being very common practice in Port Harcourt. It is therefore necessary to heighten enlightenment of the populace particularly women of child-bearing age and pregnant women on toxoplasmosis –specific preventive practices to reduce their exposure to the pathogen and its potential complications. Women with poor obstetric history may benefit from screening for Toxoplasma gondii as part of their management.
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