Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Living with HIV in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
E. N. Onu *
Department of Microbiology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
E. A. Obaji
Department of Microbiology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
M. E. Okoi
Department of Microbiology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
C. E. Orji
Department of Microbiology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
C. O. Akpa
Haematology Department, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
C. Okafor
Department of Microbiology, Evangel University, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
I. Okoroafor
Department of Microbiology, Evangel University, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among 274 HIV-positive pregnant women at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi State. The screening, performed using standard serological methods, revealed an overall seroprevalence of 30.7%, with IgM antibodies found in 22.6% and IgG in 8.1%. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 50 years, with the highest IgM seroprevalence of 10.9% found in women aged 31-40 and IgG seroprevalence of 4.8% in those aged 18-30. Significant associations were noted between T. gondii infection and regular contact with cats and kittens (P < 0.05). The high prevalence of both chronic (8.1%) and acute infections indicates potential risks for maternal and fetal complications. The findings emphasize the necessity for routine screening and antenatal care for T. gondii in HIV-positive pregnant women to facilitate early intervention and mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with the infection.
Keywords: Immunological, mortality, morbidity, opportunistic infection, suppression