Analysis of Preventable Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Women: Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection during pregnancy poses risks of miscarriage and birth defects.
• Understanding risk factors is crucial for preventing congenital toxoplasmosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women.
• To evaluate the prevalence of TG infection in a cohort of pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical charts for 273 pregnant women with suspected TG infection.
• Serologic assessment of IgM and IgG titers, and IgG affinity tests for diagnosis verification.

Main Results:

• Primary TG infection confirmed in 27.1% of women; past infection in 41.8%.
• Living in rural areas (OR 2.89) and eating raw meat (OR 2.07) were independent risk factors for TG infection.
• Correct testing for other fetal-risk infections was performed in 62% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Living in rural areas and consuming raw meat are significant risk factors for TG infection in pregnancy.
• Physician education is vital for effective prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis.