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Abstract
Background: Zoonotic infections such as toxoplasmosis and brucellosis pose health risks to pregnant women, especially in rural areas where animal contact and raw milk consumption are common. These infections threaten maternal and fetal health and require focused research.
Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis and brucellosis in pregnant women using immunochromatographic assays.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Women and Children Hospital, Rajjar Charsadda, over six months. A total of 196 pregnant women were recruited using convenience sampling. Data on demographics, exposure to animals, and raw milk consumption were collected. Five milliliters of venous blood were obtained from each participant and tested for Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella IgM/IgG antibodies using rapid chromatographic immunoassays. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29.0 with descriptive statistics. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of Women and Children Hospital, Rajjar Charsadda, and informed consent was obtained.
Results: The mean age of participants was 27.3 ± 2.4 years. Of the 196 women, 11% were positive for Toxoplasma IgG, while all were negative for IgM. Brucella IgG positivity was detected in 5.6%, with no IgM positivity. All women reported animal contact and raw milk consumption. No history of abortion was reported. Higher seropositivity occurred among women aged 24–29 years and those with family history of infection.
Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are present among pregnant women in Charsadda. Public health education, antenatal screening, and livestock management are recommended to reduce risks and protect maternal and fetal health.