Detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in pregnant women in Saudi Arabia and detect the risk factors associated with infection.MethodsData were collected using questionnaires after the participants signed the consent form. ELISA techniques were used to detect both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against T. gondii for all samples from the participants.ResultsAbout 326 samples were examined by ELISA to detect IgG and IgM. Seroprevalence of IgG was 21.2% (69) while seroprevalence of IgM was 1.2% (4). The majority of pregnant women [168 (52.0%)] were in the third trimester. The history of abortion occurred in 95 (29.1%) for the first or second time while 31 (9.5%) had abortion three times and more. The study found relationship between previous infection with T. gondii and the height of pregnant women. The women with height less than 150 cm were more affected than others (P < 0.02). Association was observed between eating undercooked meat and infection with T. gondii (P = 0.008).ConclusionsInfection with T. gondii was found among Saudi women. High proportions of women (78.8%) are exposed to primary infection which can lead to abortion. Therefore, it is recommended that educational program to raise awareness to prevent the infection should be commenced without delay.