TY - JOUR AU - Murebwayire, Esperance AU - Njanaake, Kariuki AU - Ngabonziza, Jean Claude S. AU - Jaoko, Walter AU - Njunwa, Kato J. PY - 2017/01/05 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kigali, Rwanda JF - Tanzania Journal of Health Research JA - Tanzania J Hlth Res VL - 19 IS - 1 SE - Articles DO - 10.4314/thrb.v19i1.2 UR - https://www.ajol.info/index.php/thrb/article/view/134052 SP - AB - <div><p><strong>Background: </strong><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infection in pregnancy, if left untreated, is associated with spontaneous abortions, low birth weight babies, congenital deformities and intrauterine deaths. The infection is also associated with human immune deficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). In Rwanda, the burden and risk factors of <em>T. gondii</em> infection among pregnant women and among HIV infected pregnant women is largely unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Kigali, Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pregnant women aged 18 years and above who were attending antenatal care at four clinics in Kigali City, between April and August 2014 were screened for IgG and IgM antibodies against <em>T. gondii</em> using ELISA technique. Information on their HIV status and CD4<sup>+</sup> cell count was obtained from their medical records. Participants were also interviewed on selected behaviours that predispose individuals to <em>T. gondii</em> infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 384 pregnant women were involved in the study. The overall <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence was 12.2%. Of the 384 pregnant women studied, 37 (9.6%) were positive for anti-<em>T. gondii</em>-specific IgG antibodies, indicating past infection and 15 (3.9%) had positive IgM results indicating recent infection. Drinking untreated water and eating undercooked meat were identified as important risk factors for <em>T. gondii</em> infection respectively at 22.4% and 22.3% [OR=3.95, CI:2.09-7.49; p&lt;0.001 and OR=3.27, 95% CI: 1.75-6.09; p&lt;0.001].</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Although the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> antibodies is relatively low, institution of interventional measures is desirable.</p></div> ER -