Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of reproductive age in northern Kosovska Mitrovica

<p>Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the causative agents from the groups of TORCH infections, which are commonly associated with congenital anomalies. Objective: Defining risk factors for infection byToxoplasma gondii of women in reproductive ages in the territory of Kosovska Mitrovica, as well as determination of seroprevalence of infection by Toxoplasma gondii in prenatal screening of pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Materials and Methods: Across sectional study that included 49, pregnant women and women of childbearing age has been conducted. The pregnant women have been monitored on regularly base, or some women have been treated in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Health Center in Kosovska Mitrovica. Ages, place of residence, education, gynecological history and exposure to the potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma have been collected by questionnaires. Sera have been tested on the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondi by ELISA standard manufacturer's protocol (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany). Results: Our study shows that 32 (65.3%) women were seronegative, while 17 women (34.7%) were seropositive. Significant seropositivity has been recorded for the women who were in contact with the ground (42.9%), compared to the women who did not have this contact (23.8%). Uses of undercooked meat in the diet did not show any effect to the seropositive status of the respondents, i.e. greater percentage of analyzed patients (75.5%) used inadequately cooked meat. Even 93.3% of respondents deny contact with a cat. It is observed that seropositivity increased with the age. Conclusion: Seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii infection of women of childbearing in the territory of northern Kosovska Mitrovica is not high, which implied that there is a higher possibility for acquiring primary toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy especially for women who come in contact with the ground</p>