title: Surveillance of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Albania.
abstract: This study presents the initial results derived from a collaborative project aimed at the surveillance of the toxoplasma infection in a population of 496 Albanian pregnant women. From October 2004 to March 2005, serum samples were tested to detect IgG, IgM and IgG avidity for toxoplasmosis. Of the 496 pregnant women examined, 241 (48.6% [range 44-53]; IC 95%). resulted positive for IgG, three of whom (1.3%) were also positive for IgM. As the preliminary results of our survey disclose the absence of an efficient pre-gravidic screening and counseling for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in Albania, we propose a health education program for all pregnant women, together with serological testing (screening) for those exposed to predictors of toxoplasmosis infection as an epidemiological support and financially sustainable alternative.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infectious Disease, University of Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maggi
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Volpe
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Carito
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schinaia
authors.forename: Silva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bino
authors.forename: Mimoza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Basho
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dentico
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000415:Albania / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D000915:Antibody Affinity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan