Related Experiment Videos
[Screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy--a pilot program in Northeast Germany]
T Krausse1, W Straube, S Wiersbitzky
1Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität.
Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Toxoplasmosis screening in pregnant women revealed a high antibody prevalence (72.8%), with a declining trend. Despite treatment, congenital infections occurred, highlighting the need for robust screening and education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Context:
- Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, poses risks during pregnancy.
- Serological screening using IgG-ELISA is a key diagnostic tool for identifying past or present infections.
- The study period spanned from October 1986 to December 1990 in Greifswald, Germany.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence and incidence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Greifswald.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of serological screening and subsequent treatment protocols.
- To provide recommendations for optimizing toxoplasmosis screening and prevention strategies.
Summary:
- A serological screening of 4355 pregnant women identified *Toxoplasma gondii* antibodies in 72.8%, with a decreasing prevalence observed from 1987 onwards.
- The incidence of acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy was 2.53 per 1000 births.
- Eleven cases of seroconversion were noted, with 3 congenital infections occurring despite treatment in 8 women, though no newborns exhibited clinical symptoms.
Impact:
- The findings support the recommendation for routine toxoplasmosis screening in pregnant women based on ethical, medical, and economic considerations.
- Effective screening necessitates guaranteed organizational and professional treatment for both mothers and infants.
- Health education is crucial, particularly for non-immunized women, to prevent primary infection sources.