Sero-Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an asymptomatic disease, but often takes a severe and life-threatening course during pregnancy, in foetuses, new bon babies and immune-compromised people. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending Ante Natal Clinic in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and factors associated with it. 356 Pregnant women between 15 - 49 years were enrolled in the study. 5 ml of venous blood was collected aseptically using needle and syringe from each participant and were transported to Human Virology Laboratory, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, for analysis. ELISA was used to determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibody. A structured questionnaire was used to collect on socio-demographic characteristics and factors associated with the infection. Data was analyzed using Chi square and independent T-test. Out of the 356 pregnant women examined, 105 (29.49%) tested positive. T. gondii infection was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the level of education, area of residence, occupation and cleaning of cat litter, but was not significantly (P > 0.05) associated with age, trimester, gravidity, eating meat and vegetables, HIV status, still birth and owning a cat. The high prevalence of Toxoplasmosis could probably be due to lack of knowledge about the disease as presented in these results. Therefore, health education on the disease and its transmission should be given to the public routinely which will help preventing T. gondii and other zoonotic infections.