Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Lahore, Pakistan
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Lahore, Pakistan
ASMA ABDUL LATIF*1, SAMREEN MUSHTAQ1, SABIHA FAZAL1, MUHAMMAD MANSHA2, & ATIF YAQUB3
ABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii a neglected protozoan parasite commonly infects humans worldwide. One third of human population has become victim of T. gondii and its infection in pregnant women has serious consequences on women as well as on fetus health. Present study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women of Lahore, Pakistan.
239 blood samples of pregnant women were collected from Lady Walingdon hospital, Lahore along with other details on associated risk factors of infection. From these samples, 86 were randomly selected to be evaluated for the presence of IgG immunoglobulin by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in pregnant women was found 22% being IgG positive. The infection rate of T. gondii was observed higher (29%) in older age group (29-39 years) as compared to (18%) in younger age group (18-28 years). More seropositive women were found in 3rd trimester (26%) as compared to 1st (22%) and 2nd (15%) trimester of pregnancy. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in women having weight from 40-50kg and lowest rate (9%) was observed in women with 73-83kg weight. Miscarriages were observed in 31% seropositive women. Moreover, the toxoplasmosis rate was higher in socially poor and uneducated women.
The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis increases as age of mother increases due to accumulated exposure to T. gondii during the lifetime. The risk of infection increases in third trimester of pregnancy in women having low body weight.
Key Words: Toxoplasma gondii, pregnant women, congenital Toxoplasmosis, ELISA; seropositive.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
December 2017
Vol.63, Iss. 2, Pages 125-234
