Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Iraqi mothers and their neonates

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of toxoplasmosis varies greatly between different countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies [TGA] among Iraqi mothers and their neonates as well as various risk factors. Immunofluorescent antibody titer [IFAT] for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was performed on 166 mothers. This number included 31 women who had stillbirths and 135 women with their neonates. Of the 135 women giving birth to living infants, 35 had premature babies, 50 had babies with abnormal clinical signs [hydrocephaly, microcephaly, epilepsy, and jaundice] and 50 had clinically healthy newborns. Each mother was questioned about previous obstetric outcome, contact with domestic animals, fever and/or rash during pregnancy, and occupation. The control group consisted of the 50 mothers and their healthy newborns. The study group consisted of the remaining 116 mothers and 85 abnormal infants. TGA appeared in 73/166[44%] of the mothers 22/31 [70%] of mothers with stillbirths, 17/35 [48.5%] of mothers with premature babies, 19/50 [38%] of mothers with abnormal babies, and 15/50 [30%] of those with normal babies. In the 135 babies tested, 40 were seropositive [29.6%]14/35 [40%] of the premature babies, 15/50 [30%] of the abnormal babies, and 11/50 [22%] of the normal babies. Prevalence of TGA increased with age of the mothers, in those who have had a history of obstetric complications or a history of rash/fever during pregnancy, and in mothers who worked outside the home. Due to the high prevalence rate of TGA in Iraqi mothers and their neonates, we suggest screening all pregnant women as part of their antenatal care in order to initiate appropriate treatment and follow up