Antenatal Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM seroprevalence at the University Hospital of Cocody.

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis of major importance, particularly during pregnancy because of the risk of maternal-foetal transmission.

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women at the University Hospital of Cocody and to describe IgG/IgM serological profiles.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from April 2022 to March 2023 at the immunology laboratory of the University Hospital of Cocody. Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and then interpreted according to serological profiles. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between IgM positivity and pregnancy trimester.

Results: Out of 200 pregnant women, previous infection was observed in 45.0% (IgG⁺/IgM^-), current infection in 4.0% (IgG⁺/IgM⁺), recent infection in 5.5% (IgG-/IgM⁺), and no infection in 45.5% (IgG^-/IgM^-). Of the women, 83% were tested after the first trimester. The proportion of recent infections (IgM⁺) was higher in the first trimester (17.6%) than in the second (8.2%) and third (7.4%) trimesters, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.22).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis remains high, with a non-negligible proportion of women presenting recent or current infection. Late initiation of screening highlights the need for strengthened strategies, including early screening, targeted antenatal education and better access to diagnostic tools to reduce the risk of transmission.

What this study adds: This study provides updated data on the seroprevalence of gestational toxoplasmosis in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, it reinforces the need for early screening and targeted health awareness campaigns.