Seroprevalence, seroconversion, and toxoplasmosis risk factors among pregnant women in Taipei City, Taiwan

Abstract

We determined seroprevalence, seroconversion, and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Taipei City. Pregnant women attending antenatal consultation in a Taipei medical center were invited and, overall, 104 women completed a self-administered structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected during the first and third trimester after consent was obtained. Sera IgG and IgM antibodies (Abs) as well as IgG avidity were analyzed using VIDAS Toxo ELFA. From the first trimester test, seven samples were seropositive for IgG Abs and one sample was seropositive for IgG + IgM Abs with a borderline avidity index, resulting in the overall seroprevalence of 7.7%. No statistically significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and age, pregnancy history, or any risk factors. Seroconversion was not detected from paired sera between the first and third trimesters. Pregnant women with senior high school education level or those who claimed knowing Toxoplasma exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence than those with bachelor degree (p = 0.05) or those who claimed unknowing (p = 0.05). Thus, ignoring the importance of prevention measures or incorrect cognition of T. gondii threats resulted in toxoplasmosis in these women.