Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in diabetic pregnant women in southwestern of Iran

Abstract

To investigate anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in diabetic pregnant women in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran this experiment was performed. In current study the sera of 110 diabetic pregnant women as well as 110 non diabetic pregnant women referred to the hospitals affiliated with the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences were assessed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA and IFA methods. The ELISA assessments showed that 47 (42.7 %) and 3 (2.7 %) of diabetic women were positive for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. However, in the control group, 24 individuals (21.81 %) were positive for IgG antibody but no detection for IgM antibody. According to IFA method, 46 (41.8 %) and 3 (2.7 %) of diabetic women were positive for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively, while in control group, 21 individuals (19.09 %) were positive for IgG antibody. In this method, IgM antibody was negative for all samples of control group (0 %). In both methods, the values obtained in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p \ 0.05). Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in diabetic pregnant women was higher than that in non-diabetic pregnant women. It seems that screening tests for seeking patients and teaching the transmission routes should be considered as prenatal cares for diabetic women.

Rolling up the pieces of a puzzle: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iran

“…9 Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals (cancer, transplant and AIDS patients) comprise the two important risk groups for toxoplasmosis. 3,5,10,11 Owing to the Toxoplasma predilection to the brain and eye, poor prognosis and complications such as glaucoma, chorioretinitis, retinal detachment, brain abscess and encephalitis can occur during acute or recrudescent infection. 12,13 Furthermore, serious complications such as brain focal lesions, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, deafness, and mental retardation may arise from congenital toxoplasmosis, according to the gestational age.…”

Detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis amongst multi-transfused thalassemia patients in southwest of Iran

“…The prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in the southwest of Iran ranged from 21% to 47% in different groups [4][5][6]10,15]. Present survey is the first study to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis amongst thalassemic patients in the southwest region of the country.…”

Design of Indigenous ELISA Using Tachyzoites from the RH Strain of Toxoplasma gondii and Comparison with Commercial Kits in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran, 2015

“…Khuzestan, southwest of Iran, is endemic for T. gondii . Previously, we have detected T. gondii from a variety of human and animal sources (1, 2, 15-17). Therefore, epidemiological study of the parasite is essential in this region.…”

“…Acquired toxoplasmosis is usually benign and asymptomatic, but it can be dangerous and have serious consequences in immunocompromised people and pregnant women. The disease is transmitted through consumption of contaminated water and food, as well as across the placenta in women whose first acute exposure to T. gondii occurs during pregnancy (1, 2). The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans varies depending on age, geographic region, temperature, humidity, eating habits and the presence of cats in the home.…”