Multiparity as a risk factor for congenital toxoplasmosis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundCongenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is caused by placental transfer of Toxoplasma gondii to the fetus, which can generate neurological, neurocognitive deficits, or death. Appropriate preventive strategies are required for infection-related risk factors. This study assessed the prevalence of T. gondii infection and the factors associated with CT in pregnant women with assistance from the Public Health Service at Ouro Preto, Brazil. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between April and December 2020. Pregnant women (n=131) aged between 13 and 46 years, were recruited and evaluated for specific IgM/IgG antibody levels against T. gondii. A structured questionnaire was applied to determine the socioeconomic, environmental, gestational, clinical, and dietary patterns. ResultsThe prevalence of T. gondii was 45.8% (n = 60) in which multiparas revealed to be more exposed to infection and were 2.6 times more likely to become infected with the parasite compared to primiparas, (odds ratio, OR=2.60; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.25-5.39). A high prevalence of T. gondii seropositivity was found to be related to the absence of basic sanitation at home. In conclusion, multiparas constitute risk factor for CT. ConclusionsEducational and preventive measures should be intensified in uninfected multiparas to raise awareness about the potential risks of contact with T. gondii.dos Santos PV, de Toledo DNM, Machado BAA, et al. Multiparity as a risk factor for congenital toxoplasmosis: a cross-sectional study.