Study on Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors in Nangarhar

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that represents an actual public health problem. Nangarhar is a tropical region in southern of Afghanistan, due to importance of abortions by Toxoplasmosis and absence of study evidences in this field in Nangarhar province, this cross sectional hospital based research was accomplished. Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii and possible risk factors associated with the infection among the women who have abortion in Nangarhar province. Methodology: Designed questionnaire for obtaining history of abortion and interviewing with aborted patients were use, the convenient sampling method as well using Latex agglutination Lab Test (LAT) a total of 100 serum samples of miscarriage women from Nangarhar different districts were collected and tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. All collected data were analysed using ANOVA. SPSS Program.Findings: The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in mentioned women was 47% (47/100 cases). From 47 positive cases 17 (34%) was in women resident in Urban areas and 30 (60%) was those resident in Rustic areas. The prevalence rate showed there was significant differences between women resident in Rustic and those in urban areas. The people who are living in rustic area (30%) were more exposed to infection than those who were living in urban area (17%) (P < 0.015). Higher prevalence was observed in 25-30 years old group than the others (P <0.05). The result showed that Contact with raw or uncooked meet, water and soil, contaminated food and animals were significant (P <0.05).