Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women from the State of Tocantins, Northern Brazil

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Élvio Machado da Rocha, Carlos Wilson Gomes Lopes, Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos, Leucio Câmara Alves
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2015
• Subjects: Toxoplasma gondii; Pregnant women; Risk factors; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0074-2015; https://doaj.org/article/1bb55e0f8f7144cdb00c4d75344dbb99

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of infection by Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Tocantins, Northern Brazil were assessed. METHODS: Serological analysis was performed in 338 serum samples and an oral questionnaire was utilized to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Anti-IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 71% (240/338) of the pregnant women. Prior contact with cats and meat handling were found to be associated with T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable percentage (29%) of women living in the Tocantins area remain susceptible to infection by the T. gondii protozoon, representing a serious public health risk.