Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care in southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis) infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Gambo General Rural Hospital, southern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Hospital-based, prospective cross-sectional study. We collected 401 serum samples from September 1 to October 30, 2015, along with sociodemographic data and data on potential risk factors, using a simple random sampling technique.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in pregnant women (mean age 23.1 years) was 23.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.0, 28.3). We did not find any significant risk factors associated with seropositivity in relation with participants' level of education; occupation; contact with cats; consumption of raw or uncooked meat, vegetables, or milk; or type of flooring (soil versus cement) at home. The women who were aware of the risk of toxoplasma infection on the fetus had fewer T. gondii antibodies. Drinking unsafe water was as-sociated with a higher risk of toxoplasmosis (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women was relatively lower.