The Burden and Transmission Dynamics of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Congenital Diseases among Pregnant Women in Ghana
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This study assessed the Burden and Transmission Dynamics of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Congenital Diseases among Pregnant Women in the Asante Mampong Municipality of Ghana. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 201 pregnant women from six health facilities conveniently. Participants’ socio-demographics, clinical and environmental data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Using 2ml of blood, T. gondii seroprevalence was determined by the TOXO IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. Data was analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 27 to determine the prevalence and associations of T. gondii infection with other variables, respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 49.75%, of which 40.30%, 2.49%, and 6.97% tested positive for IgG, IgM, and IgG/IgM, respectively. Co-infection of toxoplasmosis with viral hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis rates were 15%, 1%, and 4%, respectively and were not risk factors for T. gondii transmission. Educational level and residential status were associated with toxoplasmosis [p<0.05]. Participants with higher education had a reduced risk of T. gondii infections compared to a lower level of education [AOR= 0.39 (0.13, 0.99) p=0.049]. Similarly, those residing in peri-urban and urban areas had a reduced risk of infection with T. gondii [AOR= 0.13 (0.02, 0.7) p=0.02] and [AOR= 0.10 (0.02, 0.78) p=0.03], respectively. Backyard animals with extensive and semi-intensive systems, without veterinary care, and contact with animal droppings and water sources were significant risk factors for T. gondii infection [p<0.05]. Miscarriage was associated with T. gondii infection [p<0.05]. The burden of T. gondii infection was high among the study population, with the risk of mother-child transmission. Level of education, residence, backyard animal farms, hygiene practices, water sources and quality were risk factors for T. gondii infection. Toxoplasmosis is a risk factor for miscarriage, and therefore, integrating it into ANC routine screening could improve pregnancy outcomes.
Author Summary
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii , is a significant health problem, particularly for pregnant women due to its potential to cause severe congenital diseases. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the Asante Mampong Municipality of Ghana. Nearly half of the study participants tested positive for T. gondii , showing a substantial public health burden. The analysis identified several contributing factors, including lower educational levels, rural residency, backyard farming practices, and poor water sources, all of which increased susceptibility to infection. Miscarriage was also associated with toxoplasmosis. The study demonstrates the need for integrating routine toxoplasmosis screening into antenatal care to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes and reduce transmission risks. This research provides vital data that could inform public health policies to improve maternal and neonatal health in Ghana.
