Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

Background and Objective: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and can result in foetal and neonatal death or various congenital defects in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infections in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the University of Uyo Health Center, Uyo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using 150 pregnant women after obtaining their informed consent. Detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies were conducted using Toxo IgG/IgM Rapid test kits. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to collect information on socio-demographic and risk factors associated with the infection. Results: The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among the pregnant women was 77 (51.3%), which comprised 41.3% positivity for anti-T. gondii IgG (62/150), 6.7% for IgM (10/150) and 3.3% (5/150) for IgG plus IgM. A significant association was observed between seroprevalence and women residing area with an odd ratio of 0.186-1.36. Individuals having a cat as a pet was 55 (36.7%), while individuals with a cat in their neighbourhood were 62 (41.3%) with an odd ratio of 2.63. Pregnant women in their first trimester had the highest anti-T. gondii IgG of 30 (48:4%) and IgM was the lowest (6:60%). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was relatively high in this study. Thus, health education and sensitisation on the disease and its transmission to women of childbearing age among pregnant women should be encouraged during antenatal follow-up, to reduce the risk of T. gondii infection during pregnancy.