title: Seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection among pregnant women in Cameroon.
abstract: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan,Toxoplasma gondii, which has a wide geographical distribution. The congenital form results in a gestational form that can present a temporary parasiteamia that will infect the fetus. For this reason early diagnosis in pregnancy is highly desirable, allowing prompt intervention in cases of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiantibodies among pregnant women attending the Douala General Hospital. The study was carried out between March and July 2009, whereby 110 pregnant women were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies and information about eating habits and hygienic conditions was collected using a questionnaire. These women's ages ranged from 20-44 years old with an average of 29.9 years; the overall IgG and IgM seroprevalence was 70% and 2.73 % respectively. Seroprevalence was significantly high amongst women who ate raw vegetables (76.39%, P<0.05) and there was a significant trend towards a higher seroprevalence in women who did not have a good source of water (75.58%, P<0.05). This research showed that consumption of raw vegetables and poor quality drinking water are two risk factors associated withToxoplasma gondiiinfection amongst pregnant women attending the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Anna L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Njunda
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Jules C N
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Assob
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Dickson S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Nsagha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Henri L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Kamga
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Nde
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea.
authors.forename: Vuchas C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Yugah
keywords: Cameroon.; Douala; pregnancy; risk factors; seroprevalence; toxoplasmosis