Socio-demographic and Obstetric Variations of T. gondii and HIV-1 Co-infection among Pregnant Women in Cameroon

Aim: This study, aimed to identify the seroprevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection in pregnant women in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the Northwest region of Cameroon.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Bamenda Regional Hospital from May 2017 to December 2017.

Methodology: Venous blood samples were collected for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using rapid test kits while HIV was determine using Alere Determine™HIV-1/2 test kit and OraQuick HIV 1/2 Rapid Antibody Test kit for confirmation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical package. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean (SD) age was 27.3 (5.3) years. The prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 was 139 (22.9%) and 70(11.6%) respectively, while that of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection was 31(5.1%). With the exception of age group and gestational age that was significant (p<0.05) for HIV, socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics of T. gondii, HIV-1 and T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection prevalence did not show any significant differences (p>0.05).

Conclusions: The high prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection seen in this study demonstrates the need for routine antenatal screening for both infections. In addition, data from this study will be useful in designing control and prevention strategies against these diseases. Furthermore, the result will also be used as baseline data for further research on T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection.