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Toxoplasmosis and habitual abortion
H S Qublan1, N Jumaian, A Abu-Salem
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Medical Services, Irbid-Aidun, PO Box 97, Amman, Jordan. hqublan@hotmail.com
Summary
Toxoplasmosis seropositivity, indicated by antibody tests, was common in pregnant women but did not correlate with habitual abortion. Risk factors included older age, higher parity, rural living, and consuming undercooked meat.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Reproductive Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with potential reproductive health implications.
- Serological detection of toxoplasmosis is crucial for understanding its prevalence and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between toxoplasmosis seropositivity and habitual abortion.
- To identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis infection in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 280 pregnant women aged 15-46 years.
- Serological analysis for IgG and IgM anti-toxoplasma antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody assay (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Data collected on age, parity, living conditions, dietary habits, and contact with soil.
Main Results:
- 47.1% of pregnant women were seropositive for IgG anti-toxoplasma antibodies.
- Seropositivity increased significantly with age and parity (P<0.05).
- No significant difference in habitual abortion rates was observed between seropositive and seronegative women.
- Higher seropositivity rates were linked to rural living, rainwater consumption, undercooked meat ingestion, and soil contact.
Conclusions:
- Toxoplasmosis, detected via serological tests, appears to have no role in habitual abortion.
- Increased age and parity are associated with higher rates of toxoplasma antibodies.
- Environmental and dietary factors significantly influence toxoplasmosis seropositivity in pregnant women.