<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Matehuala City, Mexico.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) infection in pregnant women in Matehuala City, Mexico; and the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study. Matehuala City, Mexico. 311 pregnant women. Sera of women were analysed for anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG and IgM antibodies by commercially available immunoassays. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between <i>T. gondii</i> seroprevalence and the characteristics of the pregnant women. Thirteen (4.2%) of the 311 pregnant women studied were positive for anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG antibodies. No anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgM antibodies were found in anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG seropositive women. No association between seropositivity and history of blood transfusion, transplantation, caesarean sections, deliveries, miscarriages or number of pregnancies was found. Logistic regression analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural and housing variables showed that availability of potable water at street represented a risk factor for <i>T. gondii</i> infection (age-adjusted OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.53; p=0.03), whereas being born in Mexico was a protective factor for infection (age-adjusted OR=0.01; 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.35; p=0.008). In this first study on the seroepidemiology of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in pregnant women in Matehuala, we conclude that the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection is low and similar to those reported in pregnant women in other Mexican cities. However, the seroprevalence found is lower than those reported in pregnant women in other countries in the Americas and Europe. Two risk factors associated with <i>T. gondii</i> infection were identified. Results of the present study may help for the optimal planning of preventive measures against toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.