Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies among Pregnant Women in Babylon Province, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the Toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women in Babylon, by ELISA method.

Methodology: Blood samples were taken of 398 pregnant women referred to the health centers of Al-Mahaweel City, North Babylon, IgM and IgG titers were primarily evaluated.

Results: The collected data were analyzed with SPSS 12 using Chi-Square test. Anti -Toxoplasma IgG, IgM, mixed IgG and IgM and Overall seropositivity of all antibodies were 18.09%, 9.79%, 1.75% and 29.64% respectively.

Conclusion: significant relationship was found between the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and gestational age, the total prevalence was more in thirds trimester of pregnancy (42.69%). IgG were more concentration in third trimester (159.61 U/l).

Recommendation: Antibodies determination IgG, IgM, and mixed antibodies during pregnancy is very important in parasite identification.