Aspectos epidemiológicos da toxoplasmose em gestantes residentes no município de Tangará/RN

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, with incidence and prevalence rates that vary between regions. This disease is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, whose transmission occurs most frequently by ingestion of water and unwashed raw food, raw or undercooked meat and by congenital transmission. The first infection during pregnancy has great epidemiological and public health importance due to the various damages caused to the embryo/fetus, such as neurological, ophthalmological, auditory damage and even abortion. The present study analyzed the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, as well as the risk factors associated with infection by this protozoan. Data collection was carriedout in basic health units and the research ethics committee (CAAE 45244821.5.0000.5568) approved all stages of this study. Preliminary data show that of the 155 pregnant women interviewed, 67 (43.2%) had positive serology for toxoplasmosis while 88 (56.8%) had negative serology. This result indicates a large percentage of pregnant women susceptible to infection by the protozoan. An initial statistical analysis showed an association between infection and education level (p=0.000), and this risk factor was also found in other studies. Regarding eating behavior, there was an association with the consumption of homemade popsicles and juices outside the home (p=0.018). One way to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis is by educating non- immune or susceptible pregnant women about preventive behaviors. The occurrence of severe forms in pregnant women demonstrates the need to expand the primary prophylactic program to pregnant women. In our understanding and pursuant to the provisions of stage I of the Federal Law no. 14.154/2021 which included congenital toxoplasmosis within the scope of the National Neonatal Screening Program, we realized that it is necessary to unite the efforts of Academia and the Health System to understand toxoplasmosis in terms of its importance for Public Health.