title: Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women Attending in Northwest Ethiopia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Toxoplasmosis is a major public health problem among immuno-compromised individuals. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women with and out HIV infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross sectional study was conducted among consecutive 385 pregnant women attended Antenatal Clinic from May 2010 to October 2011 at the Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Venous blood was collected from each pregnant woman for testing HIV-1/2 and anti- Toxoplasma antibodies using rapid test kits. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall magnitude of T. gondii and HIV was 88.6% (341/385) and 11.2% (43/385), respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was not different among HIV infected and non-infected pregnant women (88.4%, 38/ 43 vs 88.6%, 303/342). Keeping cats in house showed statistically significant association with seropositivity of toxoplasmosis (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Irrespective of HIV infection, high rate of T. gondii was detected among pregnant women. These high prevalences indicate the need for an intensified public health awareness to reduce both infections.
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors: Mengistu
authors: M
authors: Endris
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia ; Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Yeshambel
authors: Y
authors: Belyhun
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors: Feleke
authors: F
authors: Moges
authors: Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors: Mulat
authors: M
authors: Adefiris
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors: Zinaye
authors: Z
authors: Tekeste
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia ; Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Andargachew
authors: A
authors: Mulu
authors: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors: Afework
authors: A
authors: Kassu
keywords: Ethiopia; HIV; Pregnant women; Prevalence; Risk factors; Toxoplasma gondii