Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence among Pregnant Women in Taiz City, Yemen: Association with Water Source and Feline Exposure

Toxoplasmosis poses significant risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. The study aimed at assessing the prevalence and analyzing the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among pregnant women in Taiz City, Yemen. 400 randomly recruited pregnant women were tested for T. gondii antibodies (IgM and IgG) by enzyme immunoassay. Bio- and socio-demographic data were gathered using a validated questionnaire, completed during face-to-face interviews. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the independent variables associated with T. gondii seroprevalence. The study population had an average age of 26 years, with most participants in the second trimester. A significant proportion of participants reported living in rural areas and had exposure to animals, particularly cats. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection stands at a notable 36% with 24.5% positive for IgG antibodies only, 1.8% positive for IgM antibodies while, 9.7% positive for IgG and IgM antibodies. The study found a significant association between T. gondii seroprevalence and a history of miscarriage, households with unimproved water sources and ownership of cats in the household. Multivariate analysis confirmed that participants who lived in households with unimproved water sources and those who owned cats were significantly more likely to have T. gondii seroprevalence. This study highlights a substantial seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in Taiz City, Yemen, emphasizing the importance of implementing preventive measures. Promoting access to safe drinking water, advocating for hygiene practices, and raising awareness are essential to mitigate the burden of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.