Toxoplasmosis awareness, sere-prevalence and risk behavior among pregnant women in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and awareness of toxoplasmosis and to identify risk factors and possible routes of infection among pregnant women in the Sampaha district, Sri Lanka. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: Pregnant women attending obstetric clinics at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH) in February -June 2014 were systematically selected and tested for Igondiispecific IgG and IgM antibodies using the OnSite Toxo IgG/ IgM Rapid Test-Dip Strip®. Socio-demographic details and information regarding disease awareness and risk behavior patterns of the partici pants were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of the 293 women tested was 27 years (3D, +/-5.92). Thirty eight percent were primigravidae with a mean gestational age of 16.2 weeks (SD 7). The prevalence of anti-T gondii IgG antibodies was 12.3% (n=36). All participants were sero-negative for anti-T gondii IgM antibodies. Prevalence of anti-T.gont/// IgG antibodies was significantly higher among those eating commercially prepared meals, thrice a week or more (17.3%) compared to once a month or not at all (9.3%) (p< 0.05). No significant relationships were observed with other risk factors (cat-ownership, handling cats, consumption of meat, consumption of unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, handling soil and not washing hands after handling soil). Awareness of toxoplasmosis was 4.4% (n=13); health personnel (46.2, n=6) and media (53.8%, n=7) being sources of information. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a large population of non-immune women of child bearing age (88%) with Low disease awareness, indicates the necessity of an educational program targeted at this high risk group to avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. The importance of consuming hygienically prepared meals during pregnancy needs to be emphasized.