Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia.

Birhan Agmas,Reta Tesfaye,Digsu Negese Koye

doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1083-2

Abstract

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan organism that infects both birds and mammals. Human infections are particularly serious if they occur during pregnancy and may result in abortion or congenitally acquired disorders which primarily affect the central nervous system. This study assessed seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women at Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May, 2013. A total of 263 pregnant women who came to Debre Tabor public health facilities for antenatal care were selected and included in the study. The venous blood serum was tested using toxolatex agglutination test. Data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors were collected using structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify associations between dependent and independent variables.ResultsOf 263 pregnant women included in the study, 180 (68.4%, 95% CI: 63.1-71.4%) were found to be seropositive for anti-toxoplasma antibody. Multivariable analysis showed; age group ≥36 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.56; 95% CI: 1.01–12.5), cannot read and write (AOR = 4.77; 95% CI: 1.01-30.3), and cat ownership (AOR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.39-8.12) were significantly associated with seropositivity of T.gondii infection.ConclusionsSeroprevalence of T.gondii infection in Debre Tabor town was high. Age, educational status and presence of cats in home were identified as factors associated with T.gondii infection. Education of pregnant women about the transmission and prevention methods of this infection through health extension and in antenatal care clinics is important. Besides, studies on incidence of toxoplasmosis in newborns and infants are recommended.

Highlights

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan organism that infects both birds and mammals
Study design and area An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May, 2013 in the three health centers and one hospital found in Debre Tabor town
Behavioral characteristics of pregnant women Two hundred fifty one antenatal care followers had a history of exposure for one or more well-known predictor/risk factors for Toxoplasma infection

Summary

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan organism that infects both birds and mammals. This study assessed seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women at Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan organism that can cause toxoplasmosis. Recent studies have linked toxoplasmosis with change in behavior and may be a causative or contributory factor in various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia [4]. In immune-compromised people, such as AIDS patients or pregnant women may become seriously ill, and it can occasionally be fatal. It causes severe encephalitis and neurologic diseases, and can affect the heart, liver, inner ears, and eyes (chorioretinitis).

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