Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasma gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) among hiv seropositive pregnant women in a tertiary healthcare centre, Kano, Northern Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis caused by an obligate intracellular Protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as an important cause of opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS resulting in severe morbidity and significant mortality.HIV infected pregnant women are prone to infection by T. gondii due to immune suppression and may lead to severe complications and congenital abnormalities.However, data on this subject matter are scarce in this environment.The study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among HIV infected pregnant women and associated risk factors in Kano, northern Nigeria.A total of 273 HIV seropositive pregnant women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano were screened for T. gondii antibodies (IgG/IgM) by serology including determination of CD4 cell level in the patients by standard procedures.Socio-demographic information and risk factors variables of Toxoplasmosis including patient history were obtained via a questionnaire.Data were analyzed statistically.The overall (chronic and acute infections) seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in HIV pregnant women was 34.1%; IgG, 30.8% versus IgM, 3.3%.The age of patients ranged between 18-39 years (mean age, 29.13± 5.01).The highest seroprevalence (39.8%;IgG, 36.7% versus IgM, 3%) was found among the patients aged 31-40 years.Majority of the patients with chronic T. gondii infection (IgG, 72.4%) and acute infection (IgM, 10.3%) were found in those with CD4 cells count/µl of <200, and 200-349 CD4 cell count/µl respectively.Data analysis showed that the subjects with regular contacts with cats and their litters including consumption of poorly prepared meat products were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (P < 0.05).The high (34.1%)seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and chronicity (IgG, 30.8%) in HIV infected pregnant women is concerning due to associated maternal and fetal complications.There is need for routine universal and antenatal screening for T. gondii in HIV seropositive pregnant women that will aid early detection and treatment to limit the spread of the disease and associated morbidity and mortality.