Title : Seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies among pregnant women at the Franceville Maternal and Child Health Center (FMCHC), Gabon: A retrospective study from January to December 2022
Abstract:
Background: the present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, among pregnant women at the Franceville Maternal and Child Health Center (FMCHC), Gabon.
Material and Methods: Conducted from August 1 to September 31, 2023, this retrospective, cross-sectional study was based on toxoplasmosis screening results, obtained using the Human Toxoplasma IgG ELISA Kit (direct EIA) (Boster Biological Technology, Pleasanton CA, USA), entered into the FMCHC health information management system database, from January to December 2022. Correlations between seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and variables such as age range and age of pregnancy in pregnant women were analyzed using R software version 3.6.1. Within a 95% confidence interval, results were considered significant at p ≤0, 050.
Results: A total of 505 toxoplasmosis screening results from pregnant women with a mean age of 31 ± 7.27 years, attending antenatal clinics from January to December 2022, were collected from FMCHC registries. Of these, 255 were positive for IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, indicating an overall seroprevalence of 50.50% (255/505; 95% CI: [0.46- 0.55]). A univariate analysis of the distribution of this seroprevalence according to age groups, and the age of pregnancy of the pregnant women in the study indicated that, the age groups 26 to 35 years (Odds Ratio = 0.67; IC95%; [0.47; 0.95], p =0. 024*) and 36 to 45 years (Odds Ratio = 1.58; 95% CI [0.94; 2.66], p ≤ 0.001*), and the first trimester of pregnancy (OR=0.48; 95% CI: [0.33 - 0.7] p=0.000*), were significantly associated with toxoplasmosis.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that toxoplasmosis was endemic in the study population. They may have clinical significance in the management of individuals at risk of cerebral and congenital toxoplasmosis. Most women attending the FMCHC would be at risk of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection, and should be educated on how to minimize exposure to this parasite. Regular screening for this infection among HIV-positive individuals and pregnant women attending the Franceville maternal and child health center.
Key words: Seroprevalence, Pregnant women, IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Franceville, Gabon.
Audience Take Away:
- The audience will learn that this presentation is important for assessing the risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
- The audience will learn that this presentation is important for assessing the risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
- The audience will learn that this presentation is important for assessing the risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
- The study could potentially provide new information to help solve a conception problem. Indeed, toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection potentially dangerous for the fetus if contaminated during pregnancy.
- By identifying pregnant women carrying anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies, it will be possible to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the baby, and improve the chances of complication-free conception. In this way, the study could help to improve the accuracy of conception by identifying and managing the risks associated with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy.
- Determining the rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women
- Identification of risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women
- Raising awareness among pregnant women of the importance of preventing Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy.
- Implementation of specific preventive measures to reduce the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy.
- Improved management of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii to reduce complications for mother and fetus.
- Contribute to research on Toxoplasma gondii and the development of infection control strategies for pregnant women
