Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women those reviewing gynecological centers in Nineveh Governorate

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite capable of infecting various tissues in many mammals and birds and causes toxoplasmosis. Infection occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat or through contact with infected cats, which are its definitive host. With the spread of the phenomenon of raising domestic cats at home in Iraq in general and in the city of Mosul in particular, interest has arisen in studying the harm this parasite causes to humans, especially women, through its effect on fetuses during pregnancy.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infections among pregnant women in Nineveh Governorate, particularly among those who had experienced miscarriages. 

This study used an ELISA test to detect T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM). The results showed that the overall infection percentage was 34% of the 200 samples examined, indicating the presence of acute and chronic infections with the parasite.

 No significant differences observed between infection rates and some of the epidemiological factors studied, such as age groups, number of pregnancies, number of miscarriages, and pregnancy stage. The highest infection rate was recorded in the 35-39 age group, during the first trimester of pregnancy, and among women having their first or second pregnancy. The study showed that environmental and social factors and public health behaviors, such as soil handling, cat ownership, and meat cooking practices, were influenced parasite infection rates.