Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women Attending the University Teaching Hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: The study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology and associated toxoplasmosis predisposing risk factors in Cameroon. Methods: The survey took place at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital from May to June 2008. Serum samples were collected from 110 pregnant women attending the ante natal clinic using aseptic techniques after obtaining informed consent. The samples were analysed using toxo-lgG immunocomb and toxo-IgM “capture” ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on predisposing risk factors for toxoplamosis from each patient. Data was analysed on Epi-Info using confidence intervals and chi-square statistic test. Results: The average age of the women was 27.9+5.8years and the mean gestational age was 4.1+0.2months. The overall IgG seroprevalence was 65.5% {95% CI: 53.7-71.7%} and that of IgG and IgM co-infection was 2.7%. The seroprevalence was 75% in the first trimester, 60.6% in the second trimester and 50% in the third trimester. No statistically significant relationships were established between anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies and abortion history, meat consumption, potable water sources, cat ownership and age. Conclusion: The prevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii is high and the first trimester in pregnancy carries the highest risk. All pregnant women should be screened for toxoplasmosis and educated on predisposing risk factors during antenatal visits.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Pregnancy, IgG, IgM, Prevalence