Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Population Revisited; Changing Trendsand Call for Action

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in our hospital andthus contribute to screening and management strategies. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the records of 607 pregnant women were analyzed. Patientswere tested for serum Toxoplasma gondii antibodies at their first antenatal visit. The seronegative cases were rescreened at32 weeks’ gestation with immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG for seroconversion. Demographic, clinical, and serological charac teristics of patients were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 461 (75.94%) patients were seronegative for toxoplasmosis. IgG seropositivity was de tected in 110 (18.12%) patients, whereas 33 (5.43%) patients had both IgG and IgM seropositivity; low avidity was observedin 6 (0.98%) of these 33 patients. IgM seropositivity was detected in only 3 (0.49%) cases. Toxoplasma IgG and IgM testswere repeated for 93 seronegative patients at 32 weeks’ gestation but seroconversion was not observed in any patient. AcuteToxoplasma infection during pregnancy was found in 9 (1.48%) patients and amniocentesis was performed in four of these.No infant was diagnosed with congenital Toxoplasma infection. Conclusion: Congenital Toxoplasma infection is clearly a preventable and treatable disease that poses a serious publichealth risk. Educating people on the transmission routes and implementing routine prenatal testing both regionally and glob ally during gestation are key preventative measures.