Short Communication - Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Child Bearing Age Women in Dir Khyberpakhtunkhawa, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals including humans. Congenital infection with T. gondii during pregnancy can result in severe abnormalities in infants such as hydrocephalus and mental retardation. The present study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence and potential risk factors in acquiring T. gondii infection by child-bearing age women in Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Pakistan. A cross sectional study was conducted and data regarding risk factors were recorded through questionnaire. A total of 405 women of child bearing age were serologically tested for T. gondii antibodies through immuno-chromatographic technique using strips (CTK, USA) and Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunossorbant Assay (i-ELISA). The study revealed that overall 57.28% sero-prevalence was recorded in women of child bearing age. Highest (56.46%) seroprevalence was recorded in pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women (43.53%). Highest (57.3%) sero- prevalence was recorded in women having 21-30 years age. Notably, the highest (25%) prevalence was reported in second trimester of pregnancy. Higher (52.6%) incidence of T. gondii infection was observed in illiterate women. The study demonstrates that age, low level of education, pregnancy, contact with cat and soil are the major risk factor of T. gondii infection.