ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 41–48
DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100006
Article Type: Full Length Research Paper
Title: Seroprevalence and risk evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Kumasi, Ghana
Names of Authors: Kofi A. Owusu¹, Nana Y. Mensah², Evelyn A. Boakye¹
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. ²Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Abstract: Congenital toxoplasmosis presents severe foetal consequences when primary maternal infection occurs during gestation. A hospital-based cross-sectional investigation was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and associated socio-environmental risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among 620 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Kumasi, Ghana. Serum samples were screened for anti-Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies was established at 51.3 percent (n = 318), while acute active infection indicated by positive IgM antibodies was detected in 3.2 percent (n = 20) of participants. Stratified analysis by gestational age showed no statistically significant difference in seropositivity across first, second, and third trimesters (P > 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression identified significant statistical associations between IgG seropositivity and history of consuming undercooked meat (odds ratio = 2.45, 95 percent confidence interval [1.62 to 3.71]), close domestic contact with stray or pet cats (odds ratio = 2.12, 95 percent confidence interval [1.38 to 3.25]), and unwashed raw vegetable consumption (odds ratio = 1.78, 95 percent confidence interval [1.19 to 2.66]). The high baseline seroprevalence indicates widespread environmental exposure, yet a substantial proportion of women remain susceptible during pregnancy. These outcomes call for standardized antenatal health education emphasizing dietary hygiene and cat waste avoidance to prevent congenital complications.
Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, Pregnancy, Antenatal screening, Risk factors, Ghana
Manuscript Timeline: Received: 04 March 2010; Revised: 06 April 2010; Accepted: 05 May 2010; Published: 14 June 2010
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