Toxoplasma gondii Prevalence and Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Ibb Governorate, Yemen
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Abstract
Background: Pregnant women and their fetuses are especially vulnerable to toxoplasmosis.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and related risk factors in pregnant women at Ibb Governorate, Yemen.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with 415 pregnant women was carried out in Yemen's Ibb Governorate between June and October 2024. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in serum samples by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on potential infection risk factors linked to the infection were gathered by the administration of a questionnaire.
Results: The research found an overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and/or IgM) of 55.9% (232/415; 95% Confidence Interval: 50.9%–60.9%). Among the participants, 45.0% (187/415) tested positive for IgG, 3.4% (14/415) for IgM, and 7.5% (31/415) for both. Binary regression analysis revealed significant risk factors for infection, including increasing age (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.88; P = 0.006), history of blood transfusions (AOR = 2.03; P = 0.012), cat presence in the household (AOR = 1.86; P = 0.006), history of miscarriage (AOR = 2.76; P = 0.000), and history of giving birth to a baby with defects (AOR = 5.53; P = 0.002).
Conclusion: These findings indicate a high rate of toxoplasmosis in prenatal medical care clinics in Ibb Governorate, Yemen, underscoring the need for routine screening and health education on transmission modes.
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Toxoplasmosis; Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies; Pregnant Women; Risk Factors.
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