Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists in the United StatesAbout Toxoplasmosis

[摘要] Background:Although the incidence of toxoplasmosis is low in the United States, up to 6000 congenital casesoccur annually. In September 1998, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a conference abouttoxoplasmosis; participants recommended a survey of the toxoplasmosis-related knowledge and practices ofobstetrician-gynecologists and the development of professional educational materials for them.Methods:In the fall of 1999, surveys were mailed to a 2% random sample of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) members and to a demographically representative group of ACOGmembers known as theCollaborative Ambulatory Research Network(CARN). Responses were not significantly different for the randomand CARN groups for most questions (pvalue shown when different).Results:Among 768 US practicing ACOG members surveyed, 364 (47%) responded. Seven per cent (CARN10%, random 5%) had diagnosed one or more case(s) of acute toxoplasmosis in the past year. Respondents werewell-informed about how to prevent toxoplasmosis. However, only 12% (CARN 11%, random 12%) indicatedthat a positiveToxoplasmaIgM test might be a false–positive result, and only 11% (CARN 14%, random 9%)were aware that the Food and Drug Administration sent an advisory to all ACOG members in 1997 statingthat someToxoplasmaIgM test kits have high false–positive rates. Most of those surveyed (CARN 70%, random59%;X2p< 0.05) were opposed to universal screening of pregnant women.Conclusions:Many US obstetrician-gynecologists will encounter acute toxoplasmosis during their careers, butthey are frequently uncertain about interpretation of the laboratory tests for the disease. Most would not recommenduniversal screening of pregnant women.

[学科分类] 妇产科学