Author:
Sakikawa Makiko,Noda Shunichi,Hanaoka Masachi,Nakayama Hirotoshi,Hojo Satoshi,Kakinoki Shigeko,Nakata Maki,Yasuda Takashi,Ikenoue Tsuyomu,Kojima Toshiyuki
Abstract
ABSTRACTToxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection withToxoplasma gondiiand is prevalent worldwide under various climatic conditions. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus. However, epidemiological information regarding toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasmaantibodies, the primary infection rate, and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women. We measured anti-Toxoplasmaantibody titers in 4,466 pregnant women over a period of 7.5 years and simultaneously conducted interviews to identify the risk factors for toxoplasmosis. The overall prevalence of anti-Toxoplasmaantibodies was 10.3%, and it was significantly higher in women aged above 35 years. The rate of primaryToxoplasmainfection during pregnancy was estimated to be 0.25%. A possibility of infection in the later stages of pregnancy was identified for those women who were not infected in the early stages. A history of raw meat intake was identified to be a risk factor related to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, to lower the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should refrain from eating raw and undercooked meat and maintain personal hygiene.
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Subject
Microbiology (medical),Clinical Biochemistry,Immunology,Immunology and Allergy
Cited by
77 articles.
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