Interplay between cross sectional analysis of risk factors associated withinfection in pregnant women and their domestic cats.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by(). The primary aim of this study was to identify hygienic and cat management practices that could affect the occurrence ofin cats and their owners in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt.infection was evaluated in 80 pregnant women and 29 domestic cats using Real-time PCR. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated withinfection. Blood samples were collected from enrolled pregnant women, and fecal samples were collected from their pet cats. Firth logistic regression model complemented with random forest (RF) analysis was used to evaluate the association of different hygiene and cat management practices withinfection in pregnant women.infection was identified in 27.5% of pregnant women and 17% of domestic cats. Drinking raw milk and contacting stray and pet cats were significantly associated with higher odds ofinfection. The proportion of-positive women who ate raw meat (60.0%) was higher than those ate heat-cooked meat (25.3%). Moreover, women who did not wash their hands after contact with cats were 6 times (OR 6.12; CI: 3.03-9.21) more likely to experienceinfection than those washed their hands after cat contact. The RF analysis showed that washing hands constitute a serious yet preventable public health concern that requires targeted, community-specific efforts. Cat owners, particularly pregnant women, need to be aware about the risk ofinfection, while handling cat and pet's owner should be advised to take necessary hygienic measures to prevent its infection.