Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Pregnant Women in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a zoonotic protozoan infection that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when unborn and developing foetus becomes infected with T. gondii through the placenta in utero. The study sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at the Manhyia District Hospital, Kumasi. Signed or thumb printed consent form, structured questionnaires, as well as, about 3mls of venous blood was taken from 110 pregnant women for the study. Analysis of blood sera using commercial ELISA kit (Teco Diagnostics, 1268 N, Lakeview Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807, USA) showed that, 71.8% (79/110) were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies whiles 39.1% (43/110) were seropositive for T. gondii IgM antibodies. A total of 30 representing 27.3% of the pregnant women were seropositive for both T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Again, 44.5% (49/110) was reported for pregnant women with only T. gondii IgG antibodies and 11.8% (13/110) for only T. gondii IgM antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies for the study was 83.6% (92/110). It is recommended that screening of pregnant women for toxoplasmosis be done during routine antenatal laboratory test. Again, it is recommended that, a study to determine the risk factors for T. gondii infection among pregnant women in the Ashanti region of Ghana be done.