ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS TOXOPLASMOSIS IN SELECTED TOWNS OF ETHIOPIA

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infections during pregnancy can result in abortion or congenital defects. The knowledge and perception of health professionals towards the disease is not well studied in the country/ the current study was conducted with the objectives to assess of knowledge and perception of health professionals including physician, nurses and gynecologist, working in antenatal care in selected health institution of different parts of Ethiopia. Method: A cross–sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in different parts of Ethiopia from October 2011 to March 2012. A questionnaire survey was administered for all health professionals to gather information on their knowledge, altitude and perception towards toxoplasmosis. Result: From health professionals, 63 % know health risk of domestic animals like cat with regards to toxoplasmosis. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat and vegetables (71.2 %) were recognized as the common source of T. gondii infection by health professional's consumption of raw milk (18.4 %), contact with cat faces (14.3 %), and drinking unboiled water (6.1 %) were also mentioned as important modes of transmission. In this study, 52.7 % of health professionals thought toxoplasmosis as important pathogen in HIV infected patients and pregnant women. Conclusion and recommendation: The authors concluded that there is urgent need of incorporating zoonotic diseases concept in the medical education and training. Furthermore, these findings area helpful for optimal design of strategies in contribution of health professionals in relation to toxoplasmosis, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Keyword: Cats, HIV/AIDS, Pregnancy, Toxoplasmosis, T. gondii, Zoonosis.