Risk Factors For Toxoplasmosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasmosis in HIV positive and negative patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Region, Cameroon

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii is regarded as an important opportunistic pathogen that can cause infection in HIV/AIDS patients associated with high mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in HIV-positive and negative patients and establish the relationship between HIV viral load and active toxoplasmosis in the Bamenda Regional Hospital Cameroon. Methodology: Three hundred and three (201 HIV-positive and 102 HIV-negative) participants attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon, were randomly recruited into the study. Well-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors from each participant. Venous blood samples were collected for serological detection of toxoplasmosis using One-Step Toxo IgG/IgM rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, followed by confirmation of all positive samples by Toxoplasma IgM ELISA test. Data were analysed on SPSS version 23.0. Association of potential risk factors with seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was done using Chi square test, and comparison of means HIV loads between participant categories was done using Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis as applicable, with p<0.05 considered as significant level. Results: Of the 303 participants, 93 were positive for Toxoplasma IgG, giving latent toxoplasmosis seroprevalence rate of 30.7%, while 2 of the 303 participants were seropositive for Toxoplasma IgM, indicating active toxoplasmosis in 0.7%. The seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was 28.9% (n=58/201) in HIV-positive compared to 34.3% (n=35/102) in HIV-negative participants (χ2=0.948, OR=0.775, p=0.330), while the seroprevalence of active toxoplasmosis was 1.0% (n=2/201) in HIV-positive compared to 0% (n=0/102) in HIV-negative participants (χ2=0.068, OR=2.568, p=0.552). Viral load was detectable (≥ 42 viral copies/ml) in 54 of the 201 HIV-positive participants, giving an overall detectable viral load rate of 26.9%. The sero-prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was higher in HIV-positive participants with detectable viral load than those with non-detectable viral load, and the two HIV-positive patients with active toxoplasmosis had detectable viral loads. The risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with the latent toxoplasmosis were owning a cat, presence of stray cats, playing with cats, and eating soya. Conclusion: Latent toxoplasmosis is prevalent among HIV-positive and negative patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon, with active infection only among HIV-infected patients.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria in 2018.

Congenital transmission of Toxoplasma gondii can occur when a woman becomes infected for the first time during or just before pregnancy. Toxoplasma gondii in the fetus can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, ocular or neurological abnormalities at birth, or progressive visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive deficiencies. The national seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Nigeria was previously unknown. The 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey collected demographic, socioeconomic, and HIV-related data and stored blood specimens with consent for future analysis for other pathogens of public health importance. We evaluated toxoplasmosis seropositivity and risk factors in a sample of 44,269 women of reproductive age (WRA) between 15 and 44 years. The national T. gondii seroprevalence among WRA was 26.8% (95% CI: 25.8-27.7%). We found that WRA from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had T. gondii exposure. Seroprevalence was higher in 25- to 44-year-olds than in 15- to 24-year-olds. A similar proportion of pregnant and nonpregnant women were seropositive. Increased odds of seropositivity were associated with unimproved toilet facilities and drinking water sources, being in a higher wealth quintile, and primary and secondary education compared with no education. Decreased odds of seropositivity were associated with living in an urban area and owning livestock. This study provides the first-ever national seroprevalence estimate for WRA in Nigeria. Although information on known risk factors for toxoplasmosis (e.g., consumption of undercooked meat, cat ownership) was not collected, future studies could further investigate potential risk factors to inform the development of effective toxoplasmosis prevention measures.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis and toxoplasmosis/cysticercosis coinfection in patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and the helminth Taenia solium have been associated with the development of psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of these infections alone and/or in coinfection in a group of patients with schizophrenia and their respective control groups, in addition to assessing the epidemiological profile of these populations and risk factors. Serum samples from 31 individuals with schizophrenia and 31 control individuals were investigated for the presence of specific antibodies against T. solium and/or T. gondii by the ELISA method. A questionnaire was administered to all participants to determine the risk factors for the infections assessed. Toxoplasmosis is present in 58.1% of individuals with schizophrenia and 48.4% of control individuals. Toxoplasmosis/cysticercosis coinfection was observed in 6.5% of individuals with schizophrenia. The act of washing hands before meals was associated with infection by T. gondii in individuals with schizophrenia. There is a high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in individuals with schizophrenia, where the lack of hygienic habits is an important risk factor for acquiring the disease. The identification of toxoplasmosis/cysticercosis coinfection exclusively in individuals with schizophrenia demonstrates that both infections may be prevalent in individuals with this disorder.

Risk factors for toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region.

Toxoplasma gondii can cause symptomatic toxoplasmosis in immunodeficient hosts, including in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), mainly because of the reactivation of latent infection. We assessed the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and its associated risk factors in PLWH in the Asia-Pacific region using data from the TREAT Asia Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Observational Database (TAHOD) of the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Asia-Pacific. This study included both retrospective and prospective cases of toxoplasmosis reported between 1997 and 2020. A matched case-control method was employed, where PLWH diagnosed with toxoplasmosis (cases) were each matched to two PLWH without a toxoplasmosis diagnosis (controls) from the same site. Sites without toxoplasmosis were excluded. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. A total of 269/9576 (2.8%) PLWH were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis in 19 TAHOD sites. Of these, 227 (84%) were reported retrospectively and 42 (16%) were prospective diagnoses after cohort enrollment. At the time of toxoplasmosis diagnosis, the median age was 33 years (interquartile range 28-38), and 80% participants were male, 75% were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Excluding 63 out of 269 people without CD4 values, 192 (93.2%) had CD4 ≤200 cells/μL and 162 (78.6%) had CD4 ≤100 cells/μL. By employing 538 matched controls, we found that factors associated with toxoplasmosis included abstaining from ART (odds ratio [OR] 3.62, 95% CI 1.81-7.24), in comparison to receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, HIV exposure through injection drug use (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15-4.47) as opposed to engaging in heterosexual intercourse and testing positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.41-7.21). Toxoplasmosis was less likely with increasing CD4 counts (51-100 cells/μL: OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.96; 101-200 cells/μL: OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.34; >200 cells/μL: OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.06), when compared to CD4 ≤50 cells/μL. Moreover, the use of prophylactic cotrimoxazole was not associated with toxoplasmosis. Symptomatic toxoplasmosis is rare but still occurs in PLWH in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the context of delayed diagnosis, causing advanced HIV disease. Immune reconstitution through early diagnosis and ART administration remains a priority in Asian PLWH.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis in Female Students from Northwest Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infection can have dire consequences if it occurs during pregnancy, as it may result in spontaneous abortion or congenital disorders. Using serological methods, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in female students of childbearing age and also determined the association between Toxoplasma infection and pregnancy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from female students of childbearing age from three provinces in northwest Iran who studied at Maragheh University of Medical Sciences. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were identified by ELISA and ELFA methods, and the relationship between Toxoplasma infection, demographic characteristics, and risk factors was evaluated. Results: The ELISA and ELFA serology test results for measuring IgG and IgM, were similar. One hundred cases (28.73%) were positive for Toxo IgG, and 6 cases (1.72%) were positive for Toxo IgM. The results showed that some risk factors, such as contact with cats and activities, such as agriculture or contact with soil, were significantly (P<0.05) related to T. gondii seropositivity. Conclusion: More than 70% of the childbearing-age female students studied in this investigation were susceptible to infection during pregnancy, and the performance of regular serological testing during pregnancy and health education about toxoplasmosis before and after gestation is essential to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries. All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored. In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the M’saken region (Tunisia)

Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the M’saken region (Tunisia)

Seroepidemiological study on coinfection of toxoplasmosis and active tuberculosis in Northern Iran: a case control study.

Coinfection of tuberculosis (TB) and human parasitic infections is common in developing countries. There is little information about the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection among TB patients in Iran. In this case-control study, anti-toxoplasma antibodies were measured by ELISA method in 100 patients with active tuberculosis and 100 healthy individuals who were matched in terms of sex, age, and place of residence. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were diagnosed in 62% of TB patients (95% CI 53-71%) and 70% of control subjects (95% CI 62-78%). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 1% of both TB patients and control group. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was not significantly different between TB patients and healthy individuals (P > 0.05). None of the assessed sociodemographic and behavioral factors was recognized as a risk factor for toxoplasmosis in TB infected patients. Moreover, the level of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies concentration in TB patients was significantly higher than in control subjects and revealed skewness towards humoral immune response in TB patients. Coinfection of toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis was prevalent but T. gondii infection was independent of active TB in this co-endemic area.

COMMUNITY LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE RISK FACTORS OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN SILIRAGUNG VILLAGE SILIRAGUNG DISTRICT BANYUWANGI REGENCY

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the single-celled protozoa Toxoplasma gondii with other animals from the Filidae class (cat family) as definitive hosts. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of public understanding of the dangers of toxoplasmosis in Siliragung Village. The data collection method used a questionnaire by conducting interviews with the community consisting of pre-marital and post-marital women in Siliragung Village, Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency. The results of this study indicate that the level of knowledge of the people of Siliragung Village from pre-marital women obtains a score of 47%. This shows that the level of knowledge of pre-marital women in Siliragung Village regarding the risk factors for toxoplasmosis is quite adequate. Then, post-marital women get a score of 55%. This study concluded that pre-marital women in Siliragung Village, Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency had lower knowledge than post-marital women about the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondii and multiple sclerosis: a population-based case-control seroprevalence study, Central Anatolia, Turkey.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, is prevalent in various mammalian species, as well as certain avian, reptilian, and cold-blooded organisms. While immunocompetent individuals generally remain asymptomatic, immunocompromised individuals may experience severe and life-threatening conditions. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Despite extensive research, the etiology and pathogenesis of MS remain incompletely understood. Given the strong affinity of T. gondii for the CNS, researchers have explored the potential association between T. gondii and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, and MS. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between MS and T. gondii. A population-based incident cohort of MS patients in Sivas, Turkey, was used to randomly select MS patients. Age- and sex-matched controls were also randomly selected from the general population. A total of 182 MS patients and 182 controls were included in the study. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from MS patients, and Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 78 cases (42.9%) and 73 controls (40.1%) (p>0.05). Age, female sex, and consumption of raw meat were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis in both MS patients and controls. In contrast to previous studies, this study did not find a significant difference in T. gondii seropositivity between the control group and MS patients. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate the precise relationship between MS patients and T. gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection and ABO Blood Group Association Among Pregnant Sudanese Women: A Case Study.

ABO blood group glycol-conjugate expression may influence human susceptibility to infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to assess the relationship between blood group phenotypes as risk factors for toxoplasmosis and to correlate the prevalence of the disease with other risk factors. A total of two-hundred serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred for routine rotary examination in Rabak Teaching Hospital, White Nile State, Sudan, and examined for the parasite Toxoplasma gondii using the latex agglutination test. The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women (IgG positivity for T. gondii in the absence of IgM) was 41% (82/200). A higher prevalence of the infection was detected in women with blood group type AB 5 (55.6%) among the females in the AB blood group and the lowest in those with blood group type B 11 (35.5%). Those with a history of direct contact with cats reported the possibility of eating undercooked meat and soil-related potential risk factors (working in a garden with bare hands, eating unwashed vegetables and fresh fruits, poor handling of food) recorded 70 (82.4%), 59 (65.6%), 58 (77.3%), 73 (55.7%) and 70 (73.7%) of positive cases, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between Toxoplasma gondii infection and these risk factors. The study concluded that the ABO blood group system was not related to the absence or presence of anti-T. gondiiantibodies in pregnant women in the study area. Contact with cat feces, raw meat consumption, and farming were identified as possible important risk factors for T. gondii infection within the study area.

Latent Toxoplasmosis among Breast Cancer Patients in Jahrom, South of Iran.

Reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis is the main cause of severe infection among immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer. Hence, this study is aimed at screening the status of Toxoplasma gondii infection among breast cancer patients by serological and molecular methods and determining their associated risk factors in Jahrom County, Fars Province, south of Iran. One hundred and seven women with breast cancer (aged 34 to 80 years) were screened for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) during 2019-2020. A questionnaire regarding demographic factors was filled out by participants. Molecular detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primer pair targeting the repetitive element (RE) gene of T. gondii. The risk factors and demographic data were analyzed by SPSS software (ver. 20, Chicago, IL, USA) using the Chi-squared test. Anti-T. gondii IgG was detected in 45.8% (49/107) of the patients, which indicates latent infection, but anti-T. gondii IgM and PCR were negative in all samples. Demographic factors revealed a statistically significant increased T. gondii seropositivity among nonmenopause cancer patients (P < 0.0005), patients without previous breast cancer (P = 0.0001), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- (HER2-) negative patients (P = 0.00002). As such, patients with a history of previous abortions and who were at stages II, III, and IIII of cancer had higher seropositivity rates than patients without a history of previous abortions or who were at stage I cancer, but the statistical analysis was not significant. We did not find a statistically significant association between T. gondii seropositivity and other risk factors of toxoplasmosis (e.g., education level, type of water source, washing raw fruits and vegetables, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and contact with soil, cats, and domestic animal). A high seroprevalence rate of latent T. gondii infection was detected among patients with breast cancer; hence, these patients may be at high risk for reactivation of latent infection. Screening of T. gondii infection is recommended to detect active infection among patients with malignancies.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among general population in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 10-Years single center experience

ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special reference to women of reproductive age in Bosnia and Herzegovina. MethodsThe retrospective cross-sectional study included 3685 participants tested at the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics, University Clinical Hospital, Mostar in the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. The detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii was based on the enzyme immunofluorescence test. ResultsIn this study the total IgG prevalence of T. gondii was 18.7%, while only 1.7% were IgM positive. The IgG prevalence increased according to age of participants from 1.8% in 1–5 age group to 46.8% in participants older than 65 (p < 0.001). Out of total IgG positive participants, 62.8% came from rural areas (p < 0.001). An increased age (OR = 2.233) and rural residence (OR = 1.468) were found as risk factors for toxoplasmosis, whereas gender was not (OR = 1.021). Out of total 1514 women of reproductive age tested, the IgG prevalence of T. gondii was 15.8%, and IgM antibodies was present in 1.6% examined women. ConclusionsThis study showed a seroprevalence of T. gondii in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not only among the general population, but also among women of reproductive age. Results of the study suggest the need for more systematic preventive monitoring of pregnant women and preconception counselling for women of reproductive age.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women Referring to the Pregnancy Care Center of Ramsar

Background Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection with high prevalence and worldwide distribution. It may cause severe disease in the fetus of newly infected pregnant women. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its related risk factors among pregnant women in Ramsar city, Mazandaran province, north of Iran, from October 2017 to March 2018. Methods In this analytical-cross sectional study, specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were measured in 191 pregnant women by ELISA method. The length of T. gondii infection was estimated by the IgG avidity test. Demographic and behavioral information about pregnant women and possible risk factors of toxoplasmosis were collected through interviews. Results Specific IgG antibody against T. gondii was detected in 46.1% and IgM in 5.8% and both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 4.7% of pregnant women. The IgG avidity test did not show any acute case of toxoplasmosis. None of the demographic characteristics, such as age, occupation, place of residence, education, income, trimester of pregnancy, frequency of pregnancy, and history of abortion was correlated with toxoplasmosis. Moreover, behavioral characteristics, such as the source of consumed water, contact with soil, presence of cats in the household, consumption of vegetables, type of meat consumed, and the way of cooking meat had no significant correlation with toxoplasmosis seropositivity. Conclusion More than half of the pregnant women (54%) were toxoplasmosis-free and therefore at risk of acquiring this infection. Increasing the knowledge of pregnant women about toxoplasmosis prevention may reduce the risk of this infection during pregnancy.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis in Cats and Women Undergoing Prenatal Consultation in Coyah, Guinea

The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological situation of toxoplasmosis in cats and women undergoing prenatal consultation in the city of Coyah (Guinea). During the study, 100 cat sera and 100 sera from women in prenatal consultation were analyzed with a Toxo-Screen DA (Modified Antigen Agglutination Test) kit. The results indicated prevalences of 73%±8.7 in antenatal women and 51%±9.8 in cats. There was no association found between the variables and Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in prenatal females and cats.&#x0D; Keywords: Cat; women in prenatal consultation; Toxoplasma gondii; Coyah; Guinea.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Ardabil, Iran (2021-2022).

Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can causes adverse outcomes. Regarding its importance in prenatal care, seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women was studied in Ardabil City, during 2021-2022. In a cross-sectional study with a cluster sampling, 244 pregnant women that attended in health care centers of Ardabil City, Ardabil Province, Iran in 2021-2022 were selected. Serum samples were collected and Anti-Toxoplasma IgM (immunoglobulin M) and IgG (immunoglobulin G) was detected. Furthermore, a questionnaire filled for all participants during samples collection and risk factors assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Participant's age ranged from 16 to 43 years with average of 23± 5.24 years. IgG anti-T. gondii antibody was detected in 22.1% of pregnant women (54/244). In none of participants IgM anti-Toxoplasmosis antibody was detected. There was no significant relationship between demographic variables and risk factors of toxoplasmosis with serology test results. Approximately, 77.9% of pregnant women had no antibody against the T. gondii infection. Therefore, health education, counseling of pregnant women and screening in high-risk pregnant women is recommended to prevent from fetal complications.

Risk factors for acute toxoplasmosis in the Netherlands.

Toxoplasmosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii occurs worldwide. Infections range from asymptomatic to life-threatening. T. gondii infection is acquired either via bradyzoites in meat or via oocysts in the environment, but the relative importance of these path ways and the different sources remains unclear. In this study, possible risk factors for toxoplasmosis in the Netherlands were investigated. A case-control study was conducted including persons with recent infection and individuals with a negative test result for IgM and IgG for T. gondii between July 2016 and April 2021. A total of 48 cases and 50 controls completed the questionnaire. Food history and environmental exposure were compared using logistic regression. Consumption of different meats was found to be associated with recent infection. In the multivariable model, adjusted for age, gender, and pregnancy, consumption of large game meat (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.2, 95% confidence interval 1.6-41.9) and sometimes (aOR 4.1, 1.1-15.3) or never (aOR 15.9, 2.2-115.5) washing hands before food preparation remained. These results emphasize the value of the advice to be careful with the consumption of raw and undercooked meat. Good hand hygiene could also be promoted in the prevention of T. gondii infection.

SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII AMONGST PREGNANT WOMEN WITH BAD OBSTETRIC HISTORY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus like chorioretinitis, brain calcication, and microcephaly. It is therefore important to prevent transplacental transmission of T.gondii in pregnant females. Considering Aims &amp; Objectives: that the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in the pregnant women is poorly studied, the main objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in women with BOH seeking antenatal care. Total 172 Materials &amp; Methods: women with Bad obstetric history attending antenatal clinic were tested for Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA and a detailed history was taken according to case proforma to assess for potential risk factors. The Results: overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 33.7% (58/172). Among the seropositive women, 20.9% and 12.8% were positive for IgG antibody and IgM antibody respectively. Among the risk factors evaluated, residence in an urban area, contact with soil, consumption of raw or undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables, drinking unpasteurised milk were observed to be risk factors for Toxoplasmosis. No signicant relationship was found between the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and older maternal age, gestational age, gravida, level of education, contact with cats and drinking untreated water. Conclusion: Health education and awareness is important in pregnant women and women in childbearing age group regarding the risk factors associated with Toxoplasmosis to avoid deleterious effects of the infection on mother and fetus.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasmosis among HIV infected women of child-bearing age attending care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected women of child-bearing age (HIV-WCB) increases the risk for congenital toxoplasmosis, leading to many complications. However, its magnitude is unknown in this population. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among HIV-WCB. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July to August 2020 among HIV- WCB attending care and treatment clinic (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital and Mnazi Mmoja hospital. Questionnaire and TORCH rapid test were used to obtain data and serological testing respectively. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Overall, 29.7% of the study participants were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG, whereas none tested positive for IgM. Multivariate analysis showed that the probability of being infected with T. gondii increased by 57.1% for participants who consumed raw vegetables (p=0.005, aOR=0.43, 95%CI = 1.24-8.77). Other common risk factors such as undercooked meat consumption, source of drinking water, and cat ownership at home showed no association. A high number of HIV-WCB have not developed immunity to T. gondii in the study area. Introduction of routine screening during antenatal visits for pregnant women and further epidemiological studies are warranted in the country.