Factors associated with seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study, Piraquara, Brazil, 2024

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To estimate seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in the Guarituba region of the municipality of Piraquara, Paraná, Brazil, and to analyze sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological factors associated with seropositivity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2024 in four primary health care centers. Data were obtained through structured interviews and prenatal care records. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: 240 pregnant women were included. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibody seroprevalence was 43.3% (95%CI 37.2; 49.7). Higher odds of seropositivity were observed in pregnant women of Black race/color (OR 2.99; 95%CI 1.07; 8.35), women who had had four or more pregnancies (OR 2.04; 95%CI 1.17; 4.14), and who consumed fish from sources other than formal commerce (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.19; 2.20). Monthly income ≥1 minimum wage (OR 0.77; 95%CI 0.62; 0.95) and the habit of treating drinking water (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.21; 0.81) showed inverse association. Conclusion: Seropositivity was associated with sociodemographic and dietary factors, while better socioeconomic conditions and treatment of drinking water showed inverse association.