The Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis Antibodies Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services in Urban and Rural Health Facilities in Three Regions of Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause severe diseases to the fetus and newborns or abortion, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In Burkina Faso, while seroprevalence data for toxoplasmosis are available for urban areas, such data are scarce for rural areas. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women attending antenatal services in primary health facilities in rural and urban areas.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 in health facilities located in the Cascades (n = 2), Hauts-Bassins (n = 2), and Sud-Ouest (n = 2) regions. All pregnant women attending the health facilities for antenatal care who consented to participate in the study were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected from each pregnant woman, and serum was analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies using a rapid diagnostic test. Seroprevalences of IgM and IgG were determined. The association between seroprevalence and socio-demographic characteristics was assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 2509 pregnant women were enrolled and screened. Their mean age was 25.71 years, and the overall seroprevalence (IgM-positive and or IgG-positive) was 29.33% (736) (95% CI: 27.56–31.16). Of the 736 women tested positive for both antibodies, 27 were seropositive for IgM antibody; 703 for IgG antibody and 6 for both antibody (Ig M; Ig G). No statistically differences were observed in the seroprevalence according to age, place of residence (rural, urban), and educational level of the participant (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate a high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women, with no statistically difference between rural and urban areas. Some women acquired the infection during pregnancy, underscoring the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. Health authorities should integrate toxoplasmosis diagnosis into a free antenatal screening program to facilitate the detection of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.