Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Among Pregnant Sudanese Ladies

Introduction: The present study aimed to find the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and assess its associated risk factors among pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective hospital-based study was carried out in the period between January ۲۰۰۹ and December ۲۰۱۰ in Eldammar, River Nile State, Sudan. Chi-square was used for trend analysis, and P value was used to declare the statistical significance between the variables. Results: A total of ۳۸۳ pregnant women (age range: ۱۶–۴۵ years) visiting Eldammar teaching hospital and other health centers for antennal care were selected. Using latex agglutination test (LAT), ۷۴.۷% (۲۸۵/۳۸۳) were positive for toxoplasmosis . ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was used for IgM & IgG confirmatory, and the results showed that ۲۶% (۷۴/۲۸۵) and ۳۴.۷% (۹۹/۲۸۵) were positive for toxoplasmosis. There was a significant correlation between serological evidence of toxoplasmosis and low education level, eating undercooked meat, and drinking raw milk (P<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women of the studied population. A positive correlation was reported between toxoplasmosis and low education level, eating undercooked meat, and drinking raw milk.

Keywords:

Toxoplasmosis , ELISA , Eldammar , Sudan