Abstract
Infections with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite (T. gondii) occur worldwide and affect about one third of humanity. The study determined the prevalence of T. gondii among primigravidae Women and vertical transmission of T gondii in their newborns. Socio-demographic data and potential predisposing risk factors were studied using structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples (350 samples) were collected and tested for IgM & IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during pregnancy period and at birth for primigravidae and their neonates, PCR test used as confirmatory test for IgM positive samples. Of the 350 pregnant women included in the study 165 (47.1%) cases were IgG seropositive of them 33 (9.4) cases were IgM seropositive. 185 (52.9%) cases were seropositive for Toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. At birth serological study of primigravidae and their neonates revealed that 142 (40.5%) cases were chronically infected, 25 (7.1%) cases showed active infection and 183 (52.2%) caseswere susceptible to infection; with prevalence of vertical transmission of 20% (5/25). Rural areas, contact with cats and ingestion of raw milk were statistically significantly associated with higher infection rates. Pigeon, sheep meat and ingestion of raw milk and egg represent the main source of infection in the studied area.
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