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.
ASMA ABDUL LATIF, SAMREEN MUSHTAQ, SABIHA FAZAL, MUHAMMAD MANSHA, ATIF YAQUB. (2017) Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Lahore, Pakistan, Biologia – Journal of Biological Society of Pakistan, Volume 63 (II), Issue (II).
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