Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant population re-visited; changing trends and call for action

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in our hospital and thus contribute to screening and management strategies. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the records of 607 pregnant women were analyzed. Patients were tested for serum Toxoplasma gondii antibodies at their first antenatal visit. The seronegative cases were rescreened at 32 weeks' gestation with immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG for seroconversion. Demographic, clinical, and serological characteristics of patients were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 461 (75.94%) patients were seronegative for toxoplasmosis. IgG seropositivity was detected in 110 (18.12%) patients, whereas 33 (5.43%) patients had both IgG and IgM seropositivity; low avidity was observed in 6 (0.98%) of these 33 patients. IgM seropositivity was detected in only 3 (0.49%) cases. Toxoplasma IgG and IgM tests were repeated for 93 seronegative patients at 32 weeks' gestation but seroconversion was not observed in any patient. Acute Toxoplasma 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 public health risk. Educating people on the transmission routes and implementing routine prenatal testing both regionally and globally during gestation are key preventative measures.