The Potential Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis in Balinese Pregnant Women-Indonesia

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes a zoonotic disease which is dangerous if suffered by immunodeficient patients or pregnant women. Primary infection in pregnant women can cause abortion, intra uterine fetal death (IUFD) or birth defects. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii among pregnant women in Badung regency, Bali and identify potential risk factors for infection. Methods: Between July and October 2013, 330 pregnant women were surveyed and tested for IgG antibodies to T. gondii by ELISA test, and risk factors were calculated. Results: Thirty-six women (10.9%) were positive for T. gondii antibodies. The prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was found to be significantly associated with keeping house cats, cleaning up of cat excrement, frequency of consumption of lawar (a Balinese dish containing raw meat) and consumption of raw meat. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that prevalence of T. gondii in Balinese pregnant women was high, with identified risk factors being house cat ownership and care, and consumption of raw meat. As many of the pregnant women studied were unaware of the risk factors for toxoplasmosis, a major education campaign, promoting healthy life style choices for primary prevention of T. gondii infection, is needed in Bali. Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, ELISA, risk factors, lawar, pregnant women