Detection of B1 Gene in Toxoplasmosis using PCR among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Kaduna State Northwest Nigeria

Background: Acute infection of Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted during pregnancy to the foetus vertically which may cause congenital complications like abortion, stillbirth, visual impairment, seizure, hearing impairment and other neurological disorders.

Methodology: A total of 357 pregnant women were screened using ELISA method for acute Toxoplasma gondii (IgM) and the detection of the B1 gene, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) across the three Senatorial zones of the Kaduna State.

Results: The investigation shows an overall seropositive prevalence of 2.8% (IgM). Ages 16-20 and 26-30 years have the highest prevalence of 0.8% positive each, while ages 21-25 and 31-35 years have a prevalence of 0.6% positive each. However ages 36-40 years were all negative, p> 0.05.This did not show any statistical significant with the age groups. PCR analysis confirmed toxoplasmosis by detecting the B1 gene in the peripheral blood from 9 out of 10 IgM positive samples.

Conclusion: There is a chance of acquiring acute infection of T. gondii during pregnancy and the infection may have potential tragic outcomes for the mother, and new-born despite the fact that it can be prevented. This suggests a need for aggressive awareness and necessary facilities available for antenatal screening of T. gondii at the maternity clinic.