SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN MAJOR HEALTH CENTERS IN JOS NORTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is reported that one third of the world’s population is infected with the parasite. T. gondii represents the risk of miscarriages and congenital abnormalities in pregnancy. This study was carried out to ascertain the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three major Health Centres in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three hundred and eight four (384) pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were recruited for the study. Participants were screened for T. gondii specific antibodies using the Chromatographic Immuno-Assay (CIA) test method. Information on risk factors were obtained by the administration of a structured questionnaire. An overall seroprevalence of 11.7% was established. IgG antibodies represented 11.7% seroprevalence and 0.0% seroprevalence recorded for IgM antibodies. The highest seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was established in women in their second trimester. Seropositivity was found to be significantly associated (p<0.05, 95%CI) with type of drinking water, consumption of raw or fresh vegetables, previous history of miscarriage and older child with congenital deformation. Akubuilo, A. S. | Department of Zoology, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria