Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran

Abstract

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat ( P value = 0.007) and history of abortion ( P value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.

Detection of Acute and Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Women with History of Abortion in the Southwest of Iran

“…The rate of toxoplasmosis is relatively high among pregnant women in Iran. This rate has been estimated at 27% in Zahedan in the southeast of Iran [ 27 ], 60.6% in the north of Iran [ 28 ], 34.09% in Abadan (southwest of Iran) [ 29 ], 27.8% in Hormozgan Province [ 30 ], and 77.2% in Shiraz (south of Iran) [ 31 ]; overall, the rates were lower among high-school girls [ 32 ].…”

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Among Pregnant Women in Southwest Iran

“…In order to detect specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii infection, 5 mL of venous blood was gathered from each subject. As previously described (20,24), the blood samples were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for five minutes and then stored at -20°C until tested. The IgG and IgM antibodies were detected via a commercially enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (ELISA) kit based on the manufacturer's instructions.…”

“…Each subject filled out a structured questionnaire containing demographic information, including age range, source of drinking water, place of residence, consumption of raw/undercooked meat, education level, contact with cat, reason for referral to hospital, and history of abortion. This questionnaire was developed and accomplished, as earlier described (20,24,25).…”

“…In numerous recent studies, the seroepidemiology of T. gondii during pregnancy period was estimated in different provinces of Iran, including 41.8% in Golestan (14), 62.6% in Mazandaran (15), 43.3% in Isfahan (16), 43.5% in Qom (17), 33.5% in Hamadan (18), 37.8% in Zanjan (19), 34.1% and 21.5% in Khuzestan (20,21), and 14% and 30.8% in Sistan and Baluchistan (22,23).…”

The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors Among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Abadan, Southwest Iran

“…The samples were centrifuged at 1700×g for four minutes and then stored at -20°C until use. To detect IgG antibodies against T. gondii infection, we used commercial ELISA kit (Torch-IgG -Trinity Biotech Company) based on the manufacturer's guideline, as previously performed (7,8). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21), and the P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.…”