Seroprevalence of toxoplama gondii among primigravida women and their neonates in Sohag governorate, Egypt

Abstract EN

Infections with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite (71 gondii) occur worldwide and affect about one third of humanity.

The study determined the prevalence of T.

gondii among primigravidae Women and vertical transmission of Tgondii in their newborns.

Socio-demographic data and potential pre-disposing risk factors were studied using structured questionnaire.

Venous blood samples (350 samples) were collected and tested for IgM & IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during pregnancy period and at birth for primigravidae and their neonates.

PCR test used as confirmatory test for IgM positive samples.

Of the 350 pregnant women included in the study 165 (47.1%) cases were IgG seropositive of them 33 (9.4) cases were IgM seropositive.

185 (52.9%) cases were seropositive for Toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM anti-bodies.

At birth serological study of primigravidae and their neonates revealed that 142 (40.5%) cases were chronically infected.

25 (7.1%) cases showed active infection and 183 (52.2%) cases were susceptible to infection; with prevalence of vertical transmission of 20% (5/25).

Rural areas, contact with cats and ingestion of raw milk were statistically significantly associated with higher in-fection rates.

Pigeon, sheep meat and ingestion of rawr milk and egg represent the main source of in-fection in the studied area.