Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women attending General Hospital, Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii is one of the few known zoonotic diseases that have the ability to induce abortion and congenital transmission. Simple hygienic practices due to adequate knowledge about the parasite is one of the major keys to preventing this infection among pregnant women and women of child bearing age. The present cross sectional study was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and exposure to associated risk factors of infection among pregnant women attending General Hospital, Minna, Nigeria. A total of 92 blood samples were collected from consenting pregnant women aged 15-40 years attending ante-natal clinic at General Hospital, Minna between December and February, 2022. The samples were screened for toxoplasmosis using specific Toxo IgG Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits by DiaSino. Information on respondents socio-demographic characteristics and exposure to associated risk factors were obtained from the study participants using a structured questionnaire.The results indicated an overall seroprevalence of 31.50% for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Seropositivity of Toxoplasma infection was found to be higher (80.00%) among pregnant women aged 15-20 years than other age groups. Seropositivity of Toxoplasma infection was also higher among women in their First Trimesters (57.10%), and among those who drink unfiltered water (50%). Hand washing and Backyard gardening were associated to Toxoplasmosis in this study. The results from this study indicated a high Seroprevalence of Toxoplama gondii IgG antibodies among the pregnant women at General Hospital, Minna. Therefore, toxoplasmosis is a public health concern in Minna, Nigeria.