Toxoplasma gondii Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in Public Hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the intracellular protozoan organism Toxoplasma gondii and is a widespread disease that can progress to a serious systemic disease (congenital disease). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and its risk factors among pregnant women in public hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: Two hundred and twenty pregnant women were selected for this study and screened for T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic data, risk factors, complications, blood grouping, and behavioral data were collected using a pretested questionnaire via face-to-face interviews. Results: The total positivity rates for IgG and IgM antibodies were 15.9% and 5.9%, respectively. The highest prevalence was in the < 25 years (65.9%) for IgG and ≥ 25 years (53.9%) for IgM. A high rate of T. gondii was observed among pregnant women residing in urban areas: 25 (71.4%) for IgG and 9 (69.2%) for IgM. The high prevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women with O blood was 21 (60.0%) for IgG and 8 (61.5%) for IgM, and high-risk factors included rearing cats in the house (OR= 6.76; Cl= 3.30-13.4). Conclusion: This study reported a high seroprevalence among pregnant women in public hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. The identified risk factors included proximity to cats and domestic animals. Sanitation, health education, and personal hygiene are all required for promotion to avoid T. gondii infection among pregnant women.