Prevalence and risk factors profile of seropositiveToxoplasmosis gondiiinfection among apparently immunocompetent Sudanese women

Abstract

Objectives: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite that cause a clinical manifestation known as toxoplasmosis. We investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii infection among women in Khartoum, Sudan. A sero-parasitological cross-sectional study included 100 women aging between 15-50 years old was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan between January -November 2018. Serum samples were collected and investigated for presence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulins.Results: Mean age of the women population included was 26.75±8.25 with a range between 15 and 50 years. Sero-prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 27% (27/100) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 18.6 -36.8%. Among seropositive population 81% (22/27), 15% (4/27) and 4% (1/27) were seropositive for IgG antibodies, IgM antibodies and both antibodies respectively. Age group 21-30 years old had the highest frequency of detected IgG (10/45) and IgM (3/45). Married women had the highest frequency of detected IgG or IgM, 18/79 and 3/79, respectively. Risk factors analysis showed a total of 37/100 participants were having direct contact with cats and 66/100 have a frequent raw meat consumption, neither direct cats contact nor raw meat consumption had statistically significant association with seropositivity to T. gondii (P. value =0.052 and 0.565, respectively).