Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan with high prevalence worldwide. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy in Arab countries is an underestimated health problem with limited data about the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Al Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess toxoplasmosis seropositivity among pregnant females and the related outcomes in Al Jouf region of Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This retrospective hospital record-based study was conducted from March 2018 to March 2019 among 250 pregnant females who attended the Maternity and Children Hospital in Sakaka, Al Jouf region. Socio-demographic and obstetrical data were reported. Serological screenings of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii-specific antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay were carried out.
Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 42.4%. Only 4% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis. Only three females were positive for both IgG and IgM. Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis is significantly associated with history of spontaneous abortion.
Conclusion: We conclude that the seroprevalence of T. gondii was high in pregnant females in Sakaka. There is a need to increase the awareness of different modes of transmission of toxoplasmosis and how to prevent T. gondii infection between pregnant females.

Key words: Toxoplasma gondii; seroprevalence; pregnancy; IgM; IgG; Al Jouf