Toxoplasmosis and its relationship with connatal infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Health Center

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Suffering from this infection during pregnancy leads to congenital problems, in addition to affecting maternal and fetal health, especially due to its high transmission rate during pregnancy. The objective of the study was to assess toxoplasmosis and its relationship with congenital infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Canton health center. An observational, descriptive, prospective cross-sectional methodology was used in a total of 197 pregnant women in their first and second trimesters. The results indicated that the age group was between 22 and 25 years old, while 55.3% came from urban areas, where 85.3% were of normal weight, consumed healthy foods, and reported taking supplements. Factors such as unsafe water consumption, liquid waste disposal, excreta and garbage disposal, the presence of animals in the home, and poverty were identified as being associated with a higher risk of infection. Regarding the frequency of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, 40.6% were immunoglobulin G type, indicating some past infectious process, while there were no cases of immunoglobulin M type in pregnant women. It was concluded that, despite no evidence of acute infections, the proportion of women with previous exposure to the parasite is considerable, and therefore constant prenatal monitoring should be carried out.