Toxoplasmosis and abortion: serological co-relation

ABSTRACT

This study involved the analysis of serum samples and product of conception in 105 females for Toxoplasmosis. The serum analysis for IgM and IgG were done by enzyme immuno assay [EIA] in our population. All human sera were also screened for human immnuno deficiency virus [HIV] to rule out that toxoplasma infection was not due to immuno suppression. The product of conception was used for making wet mount, stained preparation and mice innoculation [with saline control]. One group of mice was sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day and the other on or about 3rd week. Out of the 105 samples tested for IgM antibodies specific to Toxoplasma, 16 [15.2%] were sero-positive [both groups]. Fourteen [25.9%] sera were positive for IgM antibodies in 54 patients having had spontaneous abortion and 35 [33.3%] samples were sero-positive for IgG antibodies out of a total of 105 cases. In AB group there were 27 [50.0%] sero-positive out of 54 screened and in TA group out of 51 cases tested 8 [15.7%] were sero-positive. HIV screening by EIA in both AB and TA groups did not reveal any sero-positive case. HIV result showed that sero-positivity of Toxoplasma was not due to immuno suppression. Product of conception was subjected to wet mount and stained preparation [Alkaline Methylene Blue and Giemsa] in which we observed parasite in 2 cases. Serum study done in mice sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day showed no sero-positivity for IgG and IgM type of antibodies, whereas mice sacrificed on 3rd week gave 2 [3.1%] sero-positivity of IgM and IgG specific to Toxoplasma in AB group out of 54 cases. Wet mount and stained preparation revealed parasites from peritoneal wash of mice sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day. Toxoplasmosis situation in our country is acute and needs launching of national programme for sero-diagnosis of pregnant women and adopting preventive measures to overcome serious consequences of disease