# Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Ain Defla, northwest Algeria

## TL;DR

This study finds that 32% of pregnant women in Ain Defla, Algeria, are infected with Toxoplasma gondii, with rural living and certain dietary habits increasing the risk.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence and risk factors among pregnant women in Ain Defla, Algeria.

## Key findings

- The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 32.03% among pregnant women.
- Living in rural areas, eating raw vegetables, drinking tap water, and contact with soil were significant risk factors for infection.

## Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a serious public health issue, but limited data has been published to date on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Algeria.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T.gondii infection among pregnant women in Ain Defla, northwest Algeria.

Blood samples were collected from 300 pregnant women. Serum samples were analyzed to detect T. gondii antibodies (immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G) via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Risk factors associated with T.gondii infection was assessed through structured questionnaire.

The overall seroprevalence of T.gondii infection was 32.03%. Seropositivity for IgG only was 22.78%, IgM only was 2.14% and cooccurrence of IgG/IgM was 7.12%. Pregnant women who lived in rural areas (OR= 1.739; 95%CI: 1.009–2.997; P=0.045), eat raw vegetables (OR=2.659; 95%CI: 1.575–4.488; P<0.0001), who drunk tap water (OR=3.806; 95%CI: 2.248–6.442; P<0.0001), were in contact with soil (OR= 2.836; 95%CI: 1.620- 4.967; P<0.0001) and have not meals at home (OR=3.221; 95%CI: 1.864 – 5.565; P<0.0001) were significantly at risk of infection with T. gondii.

Our findings emphasize the need for higher awareness of T. gondii infection in Algeria. Public education and serological screening programm should be recommended.