Impact of primary prevention on the incidence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
Until now, it was assumed that primary prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis was possible by means of specific hygienic measures. A prospective survey of pregnant women was made at a hospital in Brussels over the period 1979-1986 to assess the impact of such a prevention program. In the first study period (1979-1982), when no prophylactic measures were taught, 2986 consecutive women demonstrated a seroconversion rate of 1.43% among the nonimmunized subjects; 1.07% of the seropositive patients had high antibody levels in their first serum sample. In the second study period (1983-1986), all 3563 patients were instructed to adopt prophylactic measures. The seroconversion rate in seronegative patients and the percentage of patients with high initial antibody level were 0.95 and 1.26%, respectively. Although the percentage of seroconversion was reduced by 34% in the second study period, this difference did not attain significance. These results indicate that the impact of a primary prevention program aimed at reducing congenital toxoplasmosis is limited.
Foulon
W
W
Department of Gynecology, Akademisch Ziekenhuis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Naessens
A
A
Lauwers
S
S
De Meuter
F
F
Amy
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D001530:Belgium; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology; D014125:Toxoplasmosis, Congenital / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000517:prevention & control
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan