INTRODUCTION

Despite human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis having been listed among the top six most neglected parasitic zoonoses worldwide, presenting similar associated risk factors and transmission routes, few studies have been conducted in pregnant women and the consequences of concurrent infection remain to be fully established. Accordingly, the present study has serologically assessed the co-infection and associated risk factors for and spp. in pregnant women, assisted by the public Unified National Health System (SUS) in southeastern Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected and tested for IgG antibodies against by chemiluminescence immunoassay and against spp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to gather socioeconomic information to assess the risk factors associated with seropositivity to toxocariasis/toxoplasmosis by univariate analysis followed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, seropositivity was 69/280 (24.6, 95% CI: 19.96-30.01) for and 56/280 (20.0, 95% CI: 15.73-25.08) for spp. Co-infection was observed in 25/280 (8.9, 95% CI: 6.12-12.85) pregnant women, with increased odds (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.77-6.14,  = 0.0002). Logistic regression revealed that a higher educational level (high school or college) significantly reduced the likelihood of co-infection seropositivity, owning cats increased the odds of toxocariasis, and older pregnant women presented significantly higher seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

Co-infection herein highlights the importance of educational programs in the prevention of toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and other high-risk populations.