Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant mothers and new-born infants in eastern province, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoa of worldwide distribution. In immunocompetent adults, it is usually the cause of asymptomatic infection. However, infection during pregnancy poses a special risk because of the teratogenic effect of toxoplasma. Determine the sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborn infants in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Eastern Province. In this hospital-based study. sera from 175 pregnant females were screened for toxoplasma IgG and 1gM. Results and A very low number [N = I/175, 0.57%] of pregnant mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, although many [N = 69/175, 39.4%] were recorded with inactive toxoplasmosis during pregnancy Delivery was normal in all cases except for a small number [N = I/175. 0.57%] of newborns [as recorded from cord blood] who were positive for toxoplasmosis