Toxoplasmosis prevention and testing in pregnancy, survey of obstetrician-gynaecologists

Zoonoses Public Health. 2010 Feb;57(1):27-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2009.01277.x. Epub 2009 Sep 10.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can lead to congenital disease with severe neurological and ocular complications in the foetus. In 2006, we surveyed US obstetrician-gynaecologists to determine their knowledge and practices about toxoplasmosis prevention and testing. Questionnaires were mailed (four mailings) to a random sample of 1200 of the 33,354 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Of the 1200 surveyed, 502 (42%) responded. The respondents were similar to all ACOG members by gender, region of the country and practice type (P > 0.5), and age (respondents were slightly younger, mean 46 years versus 47 years). To prevent toxoplasmosis, most respondents indicated that they counsel pregnant women about cat litter (99.6%), but fewer counselled about eating undercooked meat (77.6%), handling raw meat (67.4%), gardening (65.4%) or washing fruits and vegetables (34.2%). Many (73.2%) respondents were not aware that some Toxoplasma IgM tests have had a high false positive rate, and most (91.2%) had not heard of the avidity test, which can help determine the timing of Toxoplasma gondii infection in relation to pregnancy. There is a need for more education about T. gondii serological testing, particularly the Toxoplasma avidity test. US obstetrician-gynaecologists are providing beneficial counselling to their patients, but could provide more information about undercooked meat and soil risks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gynecology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obstetrics
  • Physicians
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Toxoplasma* / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis / prevention & control*
  • Toxoplasmosis / transmission
  • United States