Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis, one of the TORCH infections in pregnancy is caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which can cause severe complications for an infected mother if the primary infection was acquired during pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies and the associated risk factors in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken involving a total of 158 consenting pregnant women visiting health facilities in Jos from March to June 2020. Data regarding socio-demographics and associated factors were gathered using questionnaire. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was deployed to test for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG was 26.6% while that of IgM was 5.7%. Seven (4.4%) women were seropositive for both IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Amongst all the socio-demographics assessed, only occupation was significantly associated with prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (p = 0.035). Amongst the risk factors, regular contact with soil and source of drinking water were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (p = 0.028 and p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Serological evidence showed that pregnant women in the current study had moderate exposure to Toxoplasma gondii while 72.2% of the study subjects have not any previous exposure are at risk of toxoplasmosis. Hence, regular screening for T. gondii infection is recommended during pregnancy and antenatal care.

Sero and Salivary Toxoplasma Immunoglobulins: In Silico Study on Anti-genicity-Based Therapies Docked TgERP and its Dysregulatory Action on Immunoglobulins Running title: Sero and salivary toxoplasmosis and drug docking

“…Also, the study done by Ibrahim et al 61 , reported that a significant high percentage of pregnant women, who had contact with cats (16.36%) and who consumed undercooked mutton (57.37%), were T. gondii positives. These findings contradict Nigerian and Egyptian studies that reported that cat ownership was not shown to be linked with T. gondii seropositivity 43,62,63 . Also, in 2019, it was reported that there was a statistically significant difference regarding the seroprevalence and the consumption of undercooked meat, contact with cats and contact with soil (85.2%) that was because the buried sporulated oocysts of cats might be contaminating the soil and sand and the oocysts remain infectious for several months and can last beyond a year 42,64 .…”

“…This finding is consistent with reports from various parts of the world, suggesting that the source of drinking water can impact the transmission of Toxoplasma 52 . Recently, Okojokwu et al 2023 43 discovered a greater frequency among those who use pipe-borne water as their source of drinking water, and the same was reported by Singh et al 2021 39 .…”

“…In Egypt, the seropositivity for IgG was 46% and 45% among diabetic patients in the two studies carried by 41,42 . Low rates for IgG and IgM (26.6% and 5.7%, respectively) were also detected among pregnant women in Nigeria 43 . IgG rates were 28.6% and 5.13% among diabetic patients and patients enrolled from hospitals in five provinces of China respectively 44,45 .…”

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

“…Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by a protozoan named, Toxoplasma gondii 1,2 . It was estimated by researchers that one-third of the earth's population is infected by toxoplasmosis, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries [3][4][5][6] .…”

“…Nigeria being a tropical country has a climate that enhances the survival of parasitic agents of some infectious diseases 19 . Also, among other factors, its socio-economic status has enhanced the rate and distribution of most neglected tropical diseases 1,7,[19][20][21] . This parasitic infection is one of the neglected tropical diseases out of five parasitic infections according to the USA Centres for Disease Control 22 .…”