The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between seropositivity for IgG and IgM anti-
Toxoplasma gondii
antibodies and socio-economic and environmental variables in pregnant women of Londrina, state of Paraná,
Brazil. We interviewed 492 pregnant women, each of whom answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and collected
blood samples for measurement of IgG and IgM anti-
T. gondii antibodies by chemiluminescence. A confirmatory
diagnosis of acute infection was made by an IgG avidity test. Titres of specific IgG anti-
T. gondii were obtained
by IFAT. Seropositivity for IgG anti-
T. gondii antibodies was observed in 242 women (49.2%) and, of these, six
pregnant women (1.2%) showed seropositivity for IgM. Age group, level of education,
per capita income, presence
of a cat in the house and a habit of eating green vegetables were all factors associated with a greater chance of
infection with
T. gondii. This study showed that 250 (50.8%) pregnant women were susceptible to
T. gondii and considered
to be at high risk for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Based on the results obtained, is critical to establish
a program of health surveillance for toxoplasmosis, in order to contribute to diagnosis and early treatment during
the prenatal period. It is also necessary to introduce measures to prevent the
Toxoplasma infection in seronegative
pregnant women.
