Toxoplasmosis and its Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Two Communities of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Hafsat A. L., Attah D. D., Nike C. I.

Abstract


A cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis was carried out in Bunza and Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. A total of 200 pregnant women were randomly selected and screened for T.gondii IgG and IgM for this study. Of the 200 blood samples screened collected from the participants, 78 (39.0%) were found to be positive. The prevalence of the infection was significantly associated with a community (P = 0.015). The findings of this study also show an intimate association between the prevalence of the infection and other risk factors such as possession of cat (P <0.0001), direct contact with a cat (P <0.0001), eating raw/undercooked vegetables/meat (P <0.0026) and eating raw or unwashed fruits/vegetables (P = 0.0346). It was concluded that ignorance, poor personal and environmental hygiene as well as keeping cats were factors found to be associated with the high prevalence rates recorded in this study area. Health education, personal and environmental hygiene, regular mass treatment program and proper cooking and washing of food are recommended.

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