Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Amol, Northern Iran

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

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