Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infection in gestation period can lead to fetal or neonatal death, and besides congenital defects. So far, there are no data available regarding T. gondii seropositivity and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia. The investigations of these aspects were done in 403 pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) at Benadir hospital, in Mogadishu city. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for anti-T. gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG seropositivity to T. gondii was 45.2% (182/403). None of the women were positive for IgM antibodies. Considering the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, women IgG seropositivity was 44.2%, 26.3%, and 67.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between seropositivity and age, sociodemographic features, history of abortion, presence of cats in house, contact cats feces, contact with soil, consumption of raw vegetables/meats, blood transfusion, and drinking of unboiled milk (p>0.05). Routine serological screening for T. gondii should be integrated with other ANC services to identify potential infections with the parasite.

Keywords: Mogadishu City; Pregnant women; Prevalence; Risk factors; Somalia; Toxoplasma gondii.