Type | Journal Article - Life Science Journal |
Title | Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Amol, Northern Iran |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 10 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2013 |
Page numbers | 164-168 |
URL | http://www.lifesciencesite.com/lsj/life1002s/028_16151life1002s_164_168.pdf |
Abstract | Background: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital transmission may occur when a pregnant mother acquires T.gondii infection for the first time in her life during pregnancy. Detection of anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG is essential for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the Toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women in Amol, Northern Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1057 blood samples were collected from pregnant women. Sera were separated by blood centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min and frozen at -20 °C until use. The samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibody by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were positive in 739/1057 cases (69.91%) and 57/1057 cases (5.39%), respectively. The peak age for acquisition of the infection in pregnant females was 26-30 years old. Conclusion: About more than half of the married women in the present study were at risk of infection with T.gondii, so preventive method should be considered |
» | Iran, Islamic Rep. - General Census of Population and Housing 2006 |