Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Cameroon

Authors

  • Anna L. Njunda University of Buea, Faculty Of Health Sciences
  • Jules C.N. Assob University of Buea, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Dickson S. Nsagha University of Buea, faculty of Health Sciences,
  • Henri L.F. Kamga University of Buea
  • Peter F Nde University of Buea, Faculty of Health Sciences,
  • Vucha C. Yugah University of Buea

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2011.e24

Keywords:

Toxoplasmosis, Pregnancy, Seroprevalence, risk factors, Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which has a wide geographical distribution. The congenital form results in a gestational form that can present a temporary parasiteamia that will infect the fetus. For this reason early diagnosis in pregnancy is highly desirable, allowing prompt intervention in cases of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among pregnant women attending the Douala General Hospital. The study was carried out between March and July 2009, whereby 110 pregnant women were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies and information about eating habits and hygienic conditions was collected using a questionnaire. These women’s ages ranged from 20-44 years old with an average of 29.9 years; the overall IgG and IgM seroprevalence was 70% and 2.73 % respectively. Seroprevalence was significantly high amongst women who ate raw vegetables (76.39%, P<0.05) and there was a significant trend towards a higher seroprevalence in women who did not have a good source of water (75.58%, P<0.05). This research showed that consumption raw vegetables and poor quality drinking water are two risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection amongst pregnant women attending the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon.
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Author Biographies

Anna L. Njunda, University of Buea, Faculty Of Health Sciences

Medical Laboratory Sciences, Lecturer

Jules C.N. Assob, University of Buea, Faculty of Health Sciences

Biomedical Sciences; Senior Lecturer

Dickson S. Nsagha, University of Buea, faculty of Health Sciences,

Dpartment of Public Health and Hygiene, Lecturer

Henri L.F. Kamga, University of Buea

Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

Peter F Nde, University of Buea, Faculty of Health Sciences,

Department of Public Health and Hygiene

Vucha C. Yugah, University of Buea

Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

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Published

05-09-2011

How to Cite

Njunda, A. L., Assob, J. C., Nsagha, D. S., Kamga, H. L., Nde, P. F., & Yugah, V. C. (2011). Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Cameroon. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 2(2), e24. https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2011.e24

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Section

Original Articles