Toxoplasmose – afrjcem.org

*¹Nguemaïm, N. F., ²Takang, W. A., ²Dobgima, W. P., ²Guebidiang, B. M., ³Foumane, P., and ⁴Kamga, F. H. L.

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

²Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

³Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

⁴Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

*Correspondence to: ngflorema@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, coccidian parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This infection, if acquired during pregnancy may result in severe damage. It affects a third of the world’s population. In many developing countries, its prevalence is unknown, and data concerning its seroprevalence among pregnant women is scarce in our study area. The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon. The results obtained will be useful in giving an estimate of the prevalence among pregnant women thus informing policy on preventive measures.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of pregnant women recruited between January and April 2018 using systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data of participants and predisposing factors to toxoplasmosis were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered to them. Five milliliters of blood were collected and the serum screened for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using the cassette and buffer immunochromatographic method. The positive IgG cases were tested further by ELISA technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Associations between variables were tested by Chi square and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon”

SO Oyinloye, M Igila-Atsibee, B Ajayi, MA Lawan

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes devastating defects including, blindness, neurological impairment and mental retardation in congenitally infected children. Congenital infection occurs when a woman becomes infected during pregnancy; and the severity of the illness is related to the trimester period. This research was designed to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis amongst pregnant women (n=90) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Cortez Diagnostics Inc. USA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. A significant (x2 Cal 233.0/ x2 tab 124.1, p=0.01) overall prevalence of 22.2% (20/90) was obtained. Pregnant women within 25-29years had the highest prevalence of 33.3% (3/9); this was significant (x2 Cal 35.85/ x2 tab 9.21, p=0.01). An association between high levels of toxoplasma IgG and miscarriage was established in four of twenty five women who had suffered miscarriage (t cal 5.3/t tab 2.81, p=0.01). The results presented indicate that toxoplasmosis is a significant public health burden in the area of study, which requires drastic remedial measures.

Key words: Toxoplasmosis, pregnant women, miscarriage, Nigeria

L’infection de Toxoplasma gondii provoque des malformations dévastatrices, y compris, la cécité, des troubles neurologiques et un retard mental chez les enfants infectés congénitalement. L’infection congénitale se produit quand une femme est infectée au cours de la grossesse, et la gravité de la maladie est liée à la période de trimestre. Cette recherche a été conçue pour évaluer la séroprévalence de la toxoplasmose chez les femmes enceintes (n = 90) à l’aide de dosage immunoenzymatique (ELISA) (Cortez Diagnostics Inc. USA). Un questionnaire structuré a été utilisé pour
recueillir des données socio- démographiques. Une prévalence importante globale de 22,2 % (20/ 90) a été obtenu (p =0,01). Les femmes enceintes dans les tranche d’âge25- 29 ans ont eu la plus forte prévalence de 33,3 % (3/9)qui était significative (p = 0,01). Une association entre des niveaux élevés de Toxoplasme IgG et fausse couche a été établie dans quatre des vingt-cinq femmes qui avaient subi une fausse couche (p = 0,01). Les résultats présentés indiquent que la toxoplasmose est un problème de santé publique dans cette localité, ce qui nécessite des mesures correctives drastiques.

Mots clés: Toxoplasmose, femmes enceintes, fausses couches, Nigeria

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Serological Screening for Ante-Natal Toxoplasmosis in Maiduguri Municipal Council, Borno State, Nigeria