Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Ardabil, Iran (2021-2022)

Sahar  Sadegi Hariri; Zahra  Heidari; Shahram  Habibzadeh; Samira  Shahbazzadegan

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12385

Sahar Sadegi Hariri Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
Zahra Heidari Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
Shahram Habibzadeh Department of Infectious Disease, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
Samira Shahbazzadegan Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12385

Keywords: Seroprevalence; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Pregnant women; Iran

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can causes adverse outcomes. Regarding its importance in prenatal care, seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women was studied in Ardabil City, during 2021-2022.

Methods: In a cross–sectional study with a cluster sampling, 244 pregnant women that attended in health care centers of Ardabil City, Ardabil Province, Iran in 2021-2022 were selected. Serum samples were collected and Anti- Toxoplasma IgM (immunoglobulin M) and IgG (immunoglobulin G) was detected. Furthermore, a questionnaire filled for all participants during samples collection and risk factors assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: Participant's age ranged from 16 to 43 years with average of 23± 5.24 years. IgG anti- T. gondii antibody was detected in 22.1% of pregnant women (54/244). In none of participants IgM anti- Toxoplasmosis antibody was detected. There was no significant relationship between demographic variables and risk factors of toxoplasmosis with serology test results.

Conclusion: Approximately, 77.9% of pregnant women had no antibody against the T. gondii infection. Therefore, health education, counseling of pregnant women and screening in high-risk pregnant women is recommended to prevent from fetal complications.