Dados do Trabalho

Título

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT A MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN SALVADOR, BAHIA

Introdução

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diseases related to neonatal complications were the 5th leading cause of death in the world in 2019, with many of these complications caused by infectious diseases. The “TORCH” group infections, such as toxoplasmosis (TOX), can be transmitted to the fetus and/or newborn during pregnancy. Screening for TOX and identifying risk factors during pregnancy is extremely important, as the development of asymptomatic infection is common and can cause significant morbidity and mortality in fetuses, neonates, and children.

Objetivo (s)

To assess the prevalence of serological markers and risk factors related to TOX infection.

Material e Métodos

We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate serological prevalence of anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG, using chemiluminescence technique, in pregnant women admitted, between December/2022 and April/2023, at a Maternity Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Additionally, the prevalence of related risk factors associated with TOX infection were screened.

Resultados e Conclusão

Of the fifty-nine pregnant women, 50.85% were reactive for anti- T. gondii IgG and none were reactive for anti- T. gondii IgM. Regarding risk factors, 98.30% reported using piped water; 16.95% reported having contact with felines (pet cat); 20.34% reported meat or other raw or undercooked foods consumption; 3.38% reported not cleaning food before consumption and 52.54% reported cleaning only with running water. The seroprevalence obtained for anti-T. gondii IgG is similar to that described in other studies carried out in different cities in Brazil. Important risk factors were identified such as contact with felines or feeding habits, although no statistical analysis has been performed so far. No active infection was detected, but the data found are important to indicate actions that can be implemented such as health education actions, since TOX can be tracked, prevented and treated.

Palavras-chave

Toxoplasmosis. Risk factors. Prevalence. Pregnancy.

Agradecimentos

We would like to thank the funding from Edital JOVEMPESQ/PRPPG/UFBA and CNPq, the study participants, the entire team at Maternidade Maria da Conceição de Jesus and Laboratório de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas da Faculdade de Farmácia (LACTFAR/UFBA).