Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with public health importance. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its risk factors among pregnant women consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Methods: This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out on pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Venous blood was collected in dry tubes and analyzed for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. A rapid diagnostic test was done with a cassette to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum. The cassette was labeled with the patient’s identification number and placed on a flat surface. The potential risk factors were evaluated with the administration questionnaire using a binary logistic regression model. Statistical significance was measured at P < 0.05. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 23.9% with 0.85% for IgM and 23.08% for IgG. Women in the second trimester (26.66% for IgG and 3.33% Ig M) of gestation were highly infected than those in the first trimester (20% for IgG and 0% Ig M) but no significant association was reported between the age of pregnancy and toxoplasmosis seroprevalence. High seropositivity (33.33% for IgG and 0% Ig M) was observed in women of age group 23-31, it was not found to be a risk factor for toxoplasmosis, as age was not statistically significant in this study. A statistical significant higher prevalence (20%) was seen in women who had no knowledge on Toxoplasmosis and in single women with seroprevalence (28.13% IgG and 3.13% IgM). Conclusion: Screening for toxoplasmosis should be done routinely during antenatal care to reduce the risk of transmission from the mother to fetus.