Molecullzr and'sero- epidemiology of‘To:¢op&1.s~rna gonzfii infection among pregnant women attenzfing antenataf care units in K/iartoum state.

Abstract

Abstract Background: T. gondii is a protozoon parasite that is widely distributed around the world and can infect all mammals and birds. While acquired toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic in healthy subjects, acute infection during pregnancy may lead to abortion, stillbirth, fetal neurological and ocular damages. it is necessary to detennine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and the actual risk of Tgondii transmission during pregnancy in a certain area. Objectives :This study aimed to antenatal screening of pregnant women in Khartoum state a.nd educational program about risks for Toxoplasmosis. Positive findings indicated, early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women will be necessary to get effective treatment and prevent fetal complications Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out between April and October 2016 involving 200 pregnant women attending antenatal care units at 3 selected health centers( Soba, Fedail and Turkey hospitals) in Khartoum state to measure the levels of both IgG and IgM by using ELISA technique and nested PCR to detect GRA6 gene for toxoplasma .Data of risk factors were obtained throw questionnaire . Result: Thus, the overall molecular and seropositivity for T. gondii among 200 participants were found 13% and 8% respectively .Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the education, age, habits of consumption of raw meat, contact with cats revealed nonsignificant (p > 0.05) effects on molecular and seropositivity for T. grmdii in pregnant women. Residence is the only variable that shows marked significance with a p value of 0.0003 which is less than p value = 0.05. PCR testing to detect 26 positive cases (13%) which shows great sensitivity and specificity compared with ELISA technique which showed 16 scropositive (8%) results with only IgG antibody detected and the IgM showed negative results in all the samples. Conclusion: Molecular and seropositivity of toxoplusmosis were low compared to other studies worldwide. PCR is more sensitive and specific for Toxoplsmosis Gondii. Residence is the only variable that shows marked significance with the PCR positive cases. m