SERO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION AMONG ANTENATAL WOMEN IN JOS PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
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Background: Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasitic infection of public health concern particularly during pregnancy due to the risk of congenital transmission. This study investigated the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at two tertiary health care facilities in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Participants were recruited using a systematic sampling approach. Serum samples were screened for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using a lateral flow immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test kit. Sociodemographic characteristics and potential exposure factors were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Associations between explanatory variables and seropositivity were first evaluated using univariate analysis (Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test). Variables with p < 0.20 were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of infection, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.
Results: Overall, 90 of the participants tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, giving a seroprevalence of 33.3% (95% CI: 26.5–40.7). Among seropositive individuals, 60.0% had IgG antibodies, indicating past exposure, while 30.0% had IgM antibodies, suggestive of recent exposure. In the univariate analysis, age group, educational level, awareness of toxoplasmosis, contact with cats, cleaning cat feces, farming activities, obstetric history, and stage of pregnancy were associated with seropositivity (p < 0.20) and were considered for multivariate modelling. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, contact with cats (AOR ≈ 2.84; 95% CI: 1.45–5.32; p = 0.002) and engagement in farming activities (AOR ≈ 2.01; 95% CI: 1.08–3.92; p = 0.031) remained significant independent predictors of T. gondii infection. Other variables were not independently associated with seropositivity after adjustment.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a moderate level of exposure to T. gondii among pregnant women in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria. Contact with cats and farming-related activities were identified as important risk factors for infection. These results highlight the need for targeted health education, improved hygiene practices, and preventive strategies during pregnancy to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis and its potential consequences for maternal and fetal health.
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