Background: Human umbilical cord blood has proven to be a successful alternate source of hematopoietic stem cells for pediatric patients with major hematologic disorders. Toxoplasma gondii is a global opportunistic protozoan which cause fatal complications in immunocompromised individuals. Aim:Our goal is to study the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and to assess the sensitivity of ELISA and PCR for Toxoplasma infection screening. Material and Methods:One hundred cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using ELISA method; Toxoplasma DNA was detected using nested PCR technique. Total nucleated cells (TNC) and HB were also determined. Demographic data and risk factors data related to the transmission of toxoplasmosis, were collected from mothers. Results:Among 100 cord blood samples, 36 (36%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and 6 (6%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. The nested PCR showed 11 (11%) samples containing Toxoplasma DNA from which, 6 (55%) samples were IgM positive. There was no significant association between the risk of Toxoplasma transmission and cord blood positivity for toxoplasmosis. Conclusion:Owing to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, its rapid progression and its fatal outcome in immunocompromised patients, cord blood screening for toxoplasmosis with nested PCR should be incorporated into cord blood bank screening protocols. K E Y W O R D Sbank, cord blood, diagnosis, screening, Toxoplasma

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Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common pregnancy complications affecting approximately 5-7% of pregnant women worldwide. Pathogenesis of PE is still mysterious. Literature studies reported differences between early and late onset PE. Also, whether placenta of late-onset PE without fetal growth restriction (FGR) is different from normal one needs further declaration. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the placental microvessel density (MVD), apoptosis and endoglin (CD105) expression in late-onset PE without FGR. Patients and Methods: Placentae of 15 PE and 15 matched control ones were evaluated grossly, microscopically and by immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, CD 34 and CD105. Results: Placentas in PE group showed a statistically significant difference as regard size, syncytial knots, perivillous fibrin deposition, villous infarction increased apoptosis, and endoglin (CD105) expression. However, the percentage of terminal villi and microvessel density (MVD) were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Placenta from late onset PE without FGR is still different from the normal placenta whatever time onset of PE pathogenesis may be similar. Absence of changes in MVD may explain good fetal outcome.

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