Seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Among Pregnant Women Attending Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo in Neiva, Huila, Colombia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that can have serious consequences in pregnant women and their fetuses, including spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and congenital malformations. In Colombia, congenital toxoplasmosis represents a significant public health concern, with 2-10 cases per 1,000 live births annually. More than half of Colombian pregnant women (50-60%) have anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, indicating high parasite exposure and circulation. Despite documented disease burden in Colombia, epidemiological data from specific regions remain scarce, particularly in the department of Huila. Methodology and Principal Findings We conducted a descriptive retrospective study of 984 pregnant women attending Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo in Neiva, Huila, Colombia, from June to December 2021. Demographic data and serological testing results for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were collected from medical records. The seroprevalence of IgG was 54% (532/984), while IgM seroprevalence was 3% (30/984). A significant association was found between parity and IgG seropositivity (p = 0.043), with multiparous women showing higher seroprevalence (56.7%) compared to primiparous women (50.3%). No significant associations were found between maternal age or type of delivery and seroprevalence. Conclusions and Significance This study presents the first epidemiological investigation of toxoplasmosis in Huila department and highlights the substantial burden of T. gondii infection in this region. Parity emerges as a significant factor associated with infection. These findings underscore the urgent need for region-specific public health interventions, including prenatal screening programs and maternal education strategies, to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis and reduce disease burden in this high-prevalence Colombian region. AUTHOR SUMMARY Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide, particularly in warm tropical regions like Colombia. While most healthy people have no symptoms, the infection poses serious threats to pregnant women and unborn babies. If a pregnant woman becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and cause severe birth defects, miscarriage, or fetal death. In Colombia, more than half of all pregnant women have been exposed to this parasite, yet little was known about its prevalence in specific regions. We examined 984 pregnant women at a hospital in Neiva, Huila, Colombia, to determine exposure rates. We found that 54% had been infected at some point. Notably, women who had been pregnant before were more likely to carry antibodies than first-time mothers, suggesting exposure increases with pregnancy experience. These findings highlight the urgent need for better screening and preventive strategies for pregnant women in this region to protect unborn babies from this serious infection.

Affiliated Institutions

• Universidad Surcolombiana CO
• Central University of Valle del Cauca CO

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