Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in a public hospital in northern Mexico
2006

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Women in Northern Mexico

Sample size: 343 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme, Sifuentes-Álvarez Antonio, Narro-Duarte Sergio Guadalupe, Estrada-Martínez Sergio, Díaz-García Juan Humberto, Liesenfeld Oliver, Martínez-García Sergio Arturo, Canales-Molina Arturo

Primary Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Juárez University of Durango State (UJED)

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women in Durango City, Mexico?

Conclusion

The prevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women of Durango City is low compared to other regions of Mexico and the majority of other countries.

Supporting Evidence

  • 21 out of 343 women had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies.
  • None of the women had IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies.
  • Living in a house with soil floor was associated with T. gondii infection.
  • Residing outside Durango State was also linked to higher infection rates.
  • Turkey meat consumption was identified as a potential risk factor.

Takeaway

This study found that only a small number of pregnant women in Durango City have a certain infection that can affect babies, and it might be linked to where they live and what they eat.

Methodology

343 pregnant women seeking prenatal care were tested for T. gondii antibodies and their socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were recorded.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from self-reported data on socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics.

Limitations

The study may not represent all pregnant women in Mexico due to its specific location and sample selection.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 25 years, mostly low socio-economic status, primarily housewives, and predominantly from urban areas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.004

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.39–36.84

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-6-113

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