Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies among Pregnant Women in Khartoum state – Sudan

Abstract

This study was carried out in Khartoum state in the period from June 2007 to October 2007. Serum samples were collected from pregnant women in different trimesters, were examined for anti-toxoplasma antibodies by Toxo-latex agglutination test and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Pregnant women were 15 to 55 years old. The over all rate of anti-toxoplasma antibodies was 10% by ELISA and 6% by Toxolatex agglutination test. This study suggests that, ELISA method is more sensitive than Toxo-latex agglutination test. When the age was considered, pregnant women expressed more anti-toxoplasma antibodies positive cases in the age group 46 – 55 years (50%), the results obtained also showed that there was no correlation between abortion and high anti-toxoplasma antibodies titers. The highest rate (18.2%) was observed in the second trimester. Contact with domestic animals (cats) was found to be significant in the transmission of toxoplasmosis (P < 0.05).