# Seroprevalence and Genotype Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii Among Pregnant Women in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study found a high rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia, with cat and dog ownership as risk factors, and suggests targeted screening and education to prevent congenital infections.

## Contribution

The study provides novel data on T. gondii seroprevalence and genotype distribution among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 54.3% among pregnant women.
- Cat and dog ownership were significantly associated with T. gondii infection.
- Type II strains of T. gondii were the most prevalent among IgM-positive samples.

## Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection poses significant risks during pregnancy, yet data on seroprevalence and genotype diversity in Ethiopia are scarce.

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, associated risk factors, and genotype distribution of T. gondii among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia.

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 554 pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals between January 2022 and April 2024. Systematic random sampling was used. ELISA detected T. gondii‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies, and PCR‐RFLP targeting B1 and SAG2 loci were used for genotyping.

Overall seroprevalence was 54.3%, with 6.1% testing IgG‐positive only, 9.4% IgM‐positive only, and 38.8% positive for both. Cat ownership (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.5) and dog ownership (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.9–8.1) were significantly associated with infection. Among 28 IgM‐positive samples, Type II strains predominated (50%), followed by Types I and III (25% each).

These findings support targeted screening and pet‐handling education to reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. Further molecular surveillance is recommended to inform public health strategies.