Association between Risk Factors and Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis being one of the most neglected tropical parasitic infections is gaining much prominence economically, medically and epidemiologically. There are concerns that certain human conduct can predispose them to this infection. The study was aimed at determining the association between selected risk factors and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among women of reproductive age using ELISA technique in Port Harcourt. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 450 women of reproductive age. They were categorized into 4 groups namely; HIV patients (HP), Pregnant women (PTW), Outpatients (OP) and Healthy controls (HC). The HP group was 150 while the other groups had 100 participants each. Participants were randomly selected and written consent was obtained from them prior participating in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was developed to obtained data on risk data assessment such as “knowledge of infection”, “wash fruit”, “treat water”, “own a pet” and “consume suya”. Blood samples were collected and assayed for IgM and IgG toxoplasma antibodies using ELISA technique after ethical clearance and informed/written consent were obtained. Socio-demographic data (age, occupation and educational status). There was a significant (p0.05) association between “knowledge of infection” and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in both IgM and IgG. There was a significant (p0.05) association between “treat water” and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in both IgM and IgG. There was no significant (p>0.05) association between “own a pet” and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in both IgM and IgG. There was no significant (p>0.05) association between “consume suya” and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in both IgM and IgG. The study has revealed that attitude of women of reproductive age over fruit washing before eating has a strong link with Toxoplasma gondii infection among women in the groups studied.