Serological Evidence and Determinants of Toxoplasmosis amongst Pregnant Women in two Health Institutions in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Toxoplasma godii acquired in pregnancy has been implicated to cause miscarriage and serious neonatal complications such as hydrocephalus, cerebral calcification and chorioretinitis, though it is usually asymptomatic for pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending ante-natal at Mararaba Medical Centre and Mararaba Primary Health Care (PHC) of Nasarawa State. Blood samples were obtained from consenting pregnant women who were made to fill a semi-structured questionnaire used to collect personal and Toxoplasma infection, risk related data and the sera were assayed using Toxoplasma IgG EIA Test kit. 99 out of the 261 women were positive with an overall prevalence of 37.9%. The highest prevalence was recorded among those in their second trimester 63(45.7%), those within the age group of 26-30 years 42(48.3%), followed closely by 31-35 years 27(45.0%) and also those that have contact with pets (cats and dogs) 93(40.8%). There was a significant association between the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) with trimester, age, residence (rural/urban) and ownership of livestock (p<0.05), while there was no significant relationship with the clinic visited, occupation, frequency of pregnancy, contact with pets such as cat and dog, consumption of raw/undercooked meat and source of drinking water. Asymptomatic Toxoplasmosis is common amongst pregnant women hence the need for consistent health education to be offered to these high-risk individuals. It is also imperative that policy makers and caregivers should consider introducing routine screening of toxoplasmosis especially as part of antenatal program for pregnant women.