Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin G in Pregnant Women Treated in Hospitals in Medellín, Colombia

• José Fernando Gómez-Marín University Institution Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7737-6127
• Adriana Ximena Muñoz-Bravo University Institution Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5461-6754
• Jorge Enrique Gallego-Rodríguez University of Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4007-3832
• Mary Luz Vélez-Restrepo University Institution Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8830-8610
• Juan David León-Rojas University Institution Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4772-9865
• Lyz Jenny Gómez Rave University Institution Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7055-4103

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20149711

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Antibodies, Immunoglobulin G, Pregnancy

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease of clinical and public health relevance, particularly during pregnancy. In Colombia, IgG seroprevalences of up to a 77% have been reported. Rurality and agricultural activities are factors associated with seroconversion. Despite its clinical and epidemiological impact, toxoplasmosis is an underestimated infectious disease, and it is not a notifiable event. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and factors associated with seropositivity in pregnant women treated at hospitals in Medellin from 2018 through 2020. Methods: Populations of pregnant women with high obstetric risk treated at the Bolivarian University Clinic (CUB) (n=517) and the Metrosalud E.S.E (n=1202) were analyzed. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anti-Toxoplasma IgG data were collected. Association tests between variables were performed, using the chi-square test (95% CI, p≤0.05). Results: Seroprevalences of 53.32% and 44.11% were found, and statistically significant associations were found between rural residence type and seropositivity (p=0.011 and p=0.000, respectively). The highest seroprevalences in the metropolitan area of ​​the Aburrá valley were recorded in the northeastern, central-western, and districts of Medellín. Conclusions: A significant association was found between seropositivity and rurality, especially in areas of Medellín with limited access to health care and basic services, determining factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection.

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