title: Epidemiologic aspects of toxoplasmosis and evaluation of its seroprevalence in pregnant women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to analyze the exposure to risk factors for toxoplasmosis disease and the level of knowledge in pregnant women who were treated by the Public Health Care System (SUS) from October 2007 to September 2008 in Divinópolis City, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed 2,136 prenatal exams of pregnant women that were treated from October 2007 to September 2008.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the 2,136 pregnant women evaluated, 200 answered a quantitative questionnaire; 49.5% were seropositive for immunoglobulin (Ig) G and 3.6% for IgM. Comparative analysis of congenital toxoplasmosis cases were evaluated in 11 regions and showed an irregular distribution (p < 0.01). This difference was also observed among the pregnant women observed in each location. The results from the questionnaire show that 93% of the pregnant women had no knowledge about toxoplasmosis, and 24% presented with positive serology, but no clinical manifestation. Analysis for pregnant IgG-positive women and the presence of pets showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05), suggesting that the transmission of this disease might occur in the domestic environment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest the implementation of a triage program for pregnant women and health education to encourage their use of SUS services.
authors: Fundação Educacional de Divinópolis, Universidade Estadual de Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, Brasil.
authors: Amanda Luiza
authors: AL
authors: Fonseca
authors: Reysla Andrade
authors: RA
authors: Silva
authors: Blima
authors: B
authors: Fux
authors: Ana Paula
authors: AP
authors: Madureira
authors: Fabrizio Furtado de
authors: FF
authors: Sousa
authors: Carina
authors: C
authors: Margonari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M