Knowledge, practices and seroprevalence related to toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in marrakech Morocco

Aims: To assess the knowledge of pregnant women about toxoplasmosis, to screen the main risk factors involved, and to evaluate the seroprevalence of this parasitosis in pregnant women in Marrakech. Methods and Material: Through a prospective study over a period of two months, from the beginning of October 2018 until the end of December 2018, two hundred and thirty-four pregnant women were invited to participate in our department of parasitology. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about known risk factors (age, meat consumption, contact with soil, and presence of cat...). Deferent parameters were collected and analyzed according to this questionnaire. Venous blood samples were taken. Sera were analysed for immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) by ELISA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis used: Data entry was performed by double entry and data analysis was performed with the software Excel. Qualitative variables were presented as proportions. Results: A total of 234 women were included. Median age was 24 years old. And 64 women (27,35%) were found to be positive to total Ig and 16 out of 64 (25%) were positive to IgM. IgG avidity was low for two (12,5%), women, high for 14 women (87,5%). The seroprevalence of pregnant women immunized against toxoplasmosis in this study was 26,49%. There was an association between seropositivity and certain risk factors assessed. Conclusion: 73,51% were not immunized against toxoplasmosis, indicating a need for measures to prevent and control this infection during pregnancy.