TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN MUKALLA CITY, HADHRAMOUT, YEMEN: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEROPREVALENCE

Toxoplasmosis is one of the protozoan diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) which infects a wide variety of hosts, including human population with cats being the definitive host. Congenital transmission can occur, which may result in fetal, neonatal death, or severe malformations. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in Mukalla city/Hadhramout, Yemen. We conducted cross-sectional and analytical study from March to June 2022 in Mukalla city, Hadhramout. Pregnant women aged 13 to 40 years old attending the gynecological and obstetric clinics were enrolled in the study. For each participant, socio-demographic, predisposing factors, and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. Serological test (immunochromatographic assay) was performed for the detection and avidity determination antibodies of the latent toxoplasmosis (IgG) and active toxoplasmosis (IgM). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with seropositivity. Out of 104 participants, 46.2% were positive for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and 10.6% had IgM antibodies suggestive of recent primary infection. The participants aged 20 to 30 years showed the highest IgG and IgM seroprevalence. The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that eating raw foods (OR = 4.449, CI: 1.311-15.093, p = 0.017), being often in contact with cats (OR = 3.929, CI: 1.143-13.502, p = 0.030) and being often in contact with cat feces (OR = 2.858, CI: 0.967-8.449, p = 0.058) were significantly associated with seropositivity. Multivariate analysis confirmed that eating raw foods (Adjusted OR = 4.428, CI: 1.249-15.698, p = 0.021) was significant predictor factor of T. gondii seroprevalence among the studied participants. Our findings suggest that T. gondii is widespread in the local area, resulting in a high exposure risk of pregnant women. Occupational predisposing factors appear to play a significant role in the transmission of toxoplasmosis. To avoid the potentially serious consequences to the fetus, there is an urgent need for systematic screening during antenatal care and the gynecological clinics visits and awareness health campaigns.