Serological Profiles of Toxoplasma gondii among Women in Taraghin, Libya: Associated Factors, Reproductive Health Indicators and One Health Implications

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan with particular relevance to women of reproductive age because primary maternal infection may result in congenital transmission. Contemporary Libyan data remain geographically fragmented, especially in the south. This study assessed anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM serological patterns among women attending a health facility in Taraghin, southern Libya, and examined associations with demographic, reproductive and behavioural variables.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study analysed serum from 150 women attending Taraghin Health Centre between October and December 2023. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM were assessed using the ichroma™ Toxo IgG/IgM qualitative immunoassay (REF CFPC-112; Boditech, Republic of Korea) on the ichroma™ platform. Serological profiles were categorised as IgG−/IgM−, IgG+/IgM+, IgG+ only and IgM+ only. Pearson’s chi-square test was used for multicategory comparisons, while Yates’ continuity correction was applied to 2×2 analyses. Because several multicategory tables contained sparse cells, those findings were interpreted as exploratory. A secondary binary analysis compared any antibody positivity with double-seronegativity, and effect sizes were expressed using Cramér’s V where appropriate.

Results: Overall, 56/150 women showed reactivity to at least one anti-T. gondii antibody class (37.3%; 95% CI 30.0–45.3%). The distribution was 62.7% IgG−/IgM−, 6.7% IgG+/IgM+, 8.0% IgG+ only and 22.6% IgM+ only. Any antibody positivity was higher among women reporting cat ownership (62.5%) than among non-owners (25.5%; χ²=17.56, p<0.001; Cramér’s V=0.34). Antibody positivity also varied by marital/pregnancy category, age group, education and reported abortion-timing category; however, several of these comparisons were affected by small subgroup sizes and are best regarded as exploratory. Consumption of undercooked meat was not significantly associated with overall antibody positivity in the binary reanalysis (p=0.268).

Conclusions: Anti-T. gondii antibody reactivity was frequent among women attending the Taraghin health facility. Cat ownership showed the strongest observed behavioural association in the unadjusted analysis. The unusually high proportion of isolated IgM reactivity should not be interpreted as confirmed recent infection without confirmatory testing such as repeat serology, IgG avidity and/or molecular testing. The findings support integrated maternal-health education, food and water safety, responsible cat management, and strengthened laboratory confirmation within a One Health framework aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5 and 6.