Toxoplasmosis; Comparative Analysis of ICT and ELISA for Detection and Identification of Risk Factors in Pregnant Women in Southern District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, affecting broad range of species including humans. Infection usually results from consuming undercooked contaminated meat, transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or coming into contact with contaminated cat feces. In the first trimester of pregnancy it is potentially harmful.

Objectives: To find out the prevalence, risk factors, serum antibodies and comparison of sensitivity of diagnostic techniques for toxoplasmosis, in pregnant women.

Methods: The study was cross sectional including 180 pregnant women screened for toxoplasmosis in a hospital setup. Demographic data and risk factors were evaluated through a structured questionnaire. The blood samples were collected and sera were analyzed by immunochromaographic test (ICT) and enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) for both IgG and IgM antibodies. The relationship of toxoplasmosis with risk factors i.e. with soil and cat contact was also identified and compared by ICT and ELISA as diagnostic techniques.

Results: More positive cases were diagnosed through ELISA as compared to ICT (p< 0.05).ELISA IgG method was found to be more sensitive, reliable and accurate for the detection of toxoplasmosis in comparison to ICT. Moreover, contact with cat and soil showed statistically significant association with the toxoplasmosis

Conclusion: Routine investigation of the pregnant women for toxoplasmosis should be done preferably by ELISA as it is more specific and effective for identification of toxoplasmosis when compared to ICT.