Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2016

Berta E Van Der Colf,Gert U Van Zyl,Bruce H Noden,Dismas Ntirampeba

doi:10.4102/sajid.v35i1.25

Abstract

BackgroundWhen a pregnant woman contracts Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy, it may be vertically transmitted to the foetus. Information on the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in developing countries is scarce. Most studies focus on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women attending public antenatal care in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2016.MethodsIn this descriptive study, 344 urban pregnant women attending public antenatal care were voluntarily enrolled in the study. Seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined by automated immunoassay. Samples with a positive T. gondii IgG result were tested for T. gondii Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and specific IgG avidity by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. A questionnaire captured demographic data and exposure to risk factors. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and R.ResultsAnti-T. gondii IgG was found in nine (2.61%) pregnant women. There was no association of anti-T. gondii IgG with demographic characteristics or exposure to risk factors.Anti-T. gondii IgM was positive in one (0.3%) woman, while three (0.9%) women had borderline anti-T. gondii IgM results. Specific IgG avidity was low, equivocal and high in 0%, 33% and 67% of seropositive pregnant women, respectively.ConclusionSeroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG is much lower in Namibia than is reported in other developing countries. Investigation into specific IgM seropositivity and IgG avidity showed that pregnant women in the central region of Namibia are at low risk of vertical transmission and development of CT.

Highlights

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite with the only definitive hosts being the cat species
There was no statistically significant difference between the occurrences of anti-T. gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in different parities the highest observed seroprevalence was in primigravida cases
This study found no association between risk factors and seropositivity of anti-T. gondii IgG in pregnant women (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite with the only definitive hosts being the cat species. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with T. gondii infection, antimicrobial treatment is possible, the success of the treatment will depend on a number of variables like the dose and the route of administration.[1] Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) may occur in spite of treatment with spiramycin of pregnant women with primary T. gondii infection.[2] spiramycin is not available in the public or the private sector in Namibia. When a pregnant woman contracts Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy, it may be vertically transmitted to the foetus. Most studies focus on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women attending public antenatal care in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2016

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