Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection caused by infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Several studies have been reported of high seroprevalence of this parasite from various hospitals in Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at SYMH Birnin kebbi in 2015 using indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was 33.3%. 9.7% seropositivity was found at first trimester, 60.5% from second trimester and 29.8% from third trimester. Using a chi square logistic regression analysis, lack of education, lower age at pregnancy, and frequency of close contacts with cats were significantly associated with the prevalence of IgG antibodies. Conclusion: Most primary infections during pregnancy are asymptomatic, congenital toxoplasmosis can have serious effects on the developing fetus. Screening for primary infection is problematic, primary prevention is the most logical method to lower the risk of congenital infection. There is also a need to educate women on the safe handling of cat litter during pregnancy.