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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in asymptomatic pregnant women in Quito, Ecuador 2020

Abstract:

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which has a wide geographical distribution. The congenital form results in a gestational form that can present a temporary parasiteamia that will infect the fetus. It is acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat, food or water contaminated and congenital infection through the placenta. Tthe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection and its possible risk factors associated with pregnant women who attended the prenatal control service at the Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital "Isidro Ayora", Ecuador. Blood samples were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a hemagglutination test. The risk factors were tested for significance using bivariate analysis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 16.32%. A significant association was observed between seroprevalence and history of abortion (p=0,00804), contact with domestic cats (p<0,0001) and incorrect hygiene habits (p<0,0001). The findings demonstrated that contact with cats, a history of miscarriages, and poor hygiene habits were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection.