Seroprevalence and risk factors for congenital toxoplasmosis in the northeastern region of Colombia

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis prevalent in one-third of the world's population, adversely affecting maternal-fetal health by causing varying degrees of damage to the fetus. Objective:To assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies and associated risk factors in first -trimester pregnant women in Cucuta, Colombia, in 2018. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional and correlational study in 111 women who voluntarily participated. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by luminescence immunoassay (LIA). Results: Total seropositivity for IgM and IgG was 19.8% and 35.1%, respectively, 11.7% was for IgM only, and 53.2% corresponded to the overall seronegativity rate for T. gondii. Risk factors (CI = 95%) such as undercooked meat consumption (54.1% of cases, OR = 1.8, p = 0.120), tap water consumption (48.6%, OR = 1.4, p = 0.421), and goat or cow raw milk consumption (39.6%, OR = 0.78, p = 0.553) were identified; in addition, living with cats (23.4%) was identified as a risk factor significantly associated with parasite seropositivity (OR = 2.8, p = 0.025). Discussion and conclusions: Our findings showed a possible risk of primary infection in more than half of the pregnant population, given the seronegativity against the parasite. A considerable frequency of suspected cases ofvery recent infection was also found. In addition to being associated with a previously recognized risk factor, this fact suggests the presence of other dietary risks that should be addressed through prevention strategies during prenatal care and the need to strengthen event surveillance.