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Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally important zoonotic parasite, and maternal infection during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, congenital anomalies, or severe neonatal complications. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 pregnant women attending hospitals in District Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and associated risk factors. Blood samples were analyzed using Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) for initial screening, and positive cases were confirmed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Overall, 34.6 % (127/367) of women tested positive. While no significant differences were observed across age groups, gestational trimesters, or abortion history, higher prevalence was noted in women aged 26-30 years (35.1 %), those in their third trimester (40.4 %), and women with a history of abortion (43 %). Seropositivity was higher among illiterate women (35.7 %) than educated women (30 %). Contact with livestock (37.5 %) and cats (46 %) were significantly associated with infection (p < 0.05). IgM antibodies predominated across age, gestation stages, and abortion history, while IgG was more frequent in women with livestock and cat contact. These findings indicate that T. gondii infection is notably prevalent in the region, with livestock and cat exposure being key risk factors.

Article History

Received: Aug 31, 2025; Accepted: Sep 25, 2025; Published: Dec 30, 2025

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