Simultaneous seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and rubella virus infections in pregnant women in Dakar (Senegal).

Context: Toxoplasma gondii and rubella virus are microorganisms that can cause intrauterine infections and congenital anomalies in the fetus. Data regarding the simultaneous seroprevalence of these infections are not available in Senegal.

Aims: This study aimed to determine for the first time the simultaneous seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and rubella among pregnant women in Dakar.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, anti-Toxoplasma and anti-rubella antibodies were analyzed in the serum samples obtained from pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Military Hospital of Ouakam between 2016 and 2021 using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for the quantitative determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and rubella in human serum.

Results: Overall, data from 2589 women were analyzed. The median age was 29 years (interquartile range: 23.14-34.86). Serum IgG and IgM were positive for T. gondii with 35.84% and 1.66%, respectively. Rubella seroprevalence was 87.14% and 0.35%, respectively, for IgG and IgM. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis increases significantly with age and study period. For rubella infection, the highest seroprevalence rates were noted in the youngest age group and at the end of the study period.

Conclusions: Data from this first-time study regarding simultaneous seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and rubella among pregnant women in Senegal indicate a continuing high risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and congenital rubella syndrome in Dakar. Further studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy of rubella vaccination in women of childbearing age.