Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii , is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection with significant maternal–fetal health consequences. In Ghana, regional studies have reported high seroprevalence among pregnant women, but data from the Volta Region remain limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 pregnant women aged 15–49 years attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visit at Ho Teaching Hospital, Volta Region, Ghana, between 24 February and 7 April 2025. Consecutive sampling was employed. Blood samples were tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Sociodemographic, obstetric, dietary, and environmental data were collected through validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of seropositivity. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied, and statistical significance was defined at p < 0.05. The prevalence of T. gondii seropositivity was 42.5% (85/201). Most seropositive women had IgG antibodies alone (96.5%), while 3.5% had both IgG and IgM Parity was significantly associated with seropositivity, with primiparous women (AOR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.42–10.91) and multiparous women (AOR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.50–9.87) showing higher odds compared with nulliparous participants. Cleaning cat litter was strongly associated with seropositivity (AOR: 7.43, 95% CI: 2.06–26.76). The study demonstrates a high prevalence of T. gondii seropositivity among pregnant women in the Volta Region, with parity and cat litter handling identified as significant risk factors for seropositivity. These findings underscore the need for routine health education, improved hygienic practices, and consideration of toxoplasmosis screening in antenatal care programs to reduce maternal–fetal complications.