Seroprevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Jean de Dieu Rukamba; Theoneste Hakizimana; Marie Pascaline Sabine Ishimwe; Christine Olwedo Adoch; Theophilus Pius; Asanairi Baluku; James Nabaasa Musiime

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20240115

Authors

Jean de Dieu Rukamba Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western campus, Uganda
Theoneste Hakizimana Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western campus, Uganda
Marie Pascaline Sabine Ishimwe University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
Christine Olwedo Adoch University of Busitema, Tororo, Uganda
Theophilus Pius Department of Laboratory, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Uganda
Asanairi Baluku Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western campus, Uganda
James Nabaasa Musiime Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western campus, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20240115

Keywords:

Seroprevalence, Toxoplasmosis, Pregnant women, Antenatal clinic

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii and is progressively increasing in pregnancy mainly with age and if left undiagnosed and untreated, can result into several adverse pregnancy outcomes. In Uganda, there is a paucity of information about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a Tertiary hospital in Uganda.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from July 2022 to October 2022. 165 pregnant women were consecutively enrolled. Data gathered for analysis were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken and test of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IGM was done using EUROIMMUN ELISA test kits as instructed by manufacturer. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14.2. A bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to show the association between the dependent and independent variables considering p≤0.05 at 95% confidence interval.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was 16.4%. Age >35 years old (aOR: 8.36; 95% CI: 1.809-38.71; p=0.007), having contact with cats (aOR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.258-10.01; p=0.017), drinking untreated water (aOR=4.08; 95% CI:1.237-13.46; p=0.021) and HIV status (aOR=8.91; 95% CI: 1.419-56.03; p=0.020) were independently associated with toxoplasmosis infection.

Conclusions: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was low as compared to the global seroprevalence. There is a need to educate pregnant women about the transmission routes and preventive measures of toxoplasmosis at antenatal care.

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