Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women in Morocco: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a widespread epidemic disease affecting a third of the world’s population. Primary infection during pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion, neonatal death, and congenital complications. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and to assess the associated risk factors among pregnant women in the Beni Mellal region, Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and March 2024. A total of 171 pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) services in the urban health facilities of Beni Mellal, Morocco, were requested to provide a serological test for IgG and IgM antibodies. Information about eating habits and hygienic conditions was collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for T. gondii infection. Results: The age of the women ranged from 18 to 44 years, with an average of 28.94 years. The overall IgG seroprevalence was 39.8% (95% CI: 31.6 - 46.2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that contact with cats and not having heard of toxoplasmosis were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Conclusions: The findings of our study revealed a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in women of childbearing age in Beni Mellal, Morocco. Contact with cats and not having heard of toxoplasmosis were primary risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis in women of childbearing age. These findings highlight the role of education in prevention. Moreover, routine screening for T. gondii infection during prenatal visits might be essential in preventing seroconversion and potential fetal involvement.