Prenatal serologic screening in Bahrain

Between 1988 and 1990, serological surveys designed to study local disease prevalence and assess the clinical value of various prenatal screening tests were undertaken at Salmaniya Medical Center in Bahrain. High maternal antibody prevalence (greater than 85%) to cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and rubella was demonstrated, and 28% showed antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. The lowest seroprevalence values were found for HBsAg (1.2%) and Treponema pallidum (0.9%). Routine testing for rubella, syphilis, and hepatitis B are advocated for all pregnancies in Bahrain. In contrast, CMV and HSV serologies are not recommended. Toxoplasma antibody testing remains controversial, but the lack of a proven agent to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis coupled with the high cost of serial testing mitigates against its routine use at this time.