Nasirkandy, M., Azami, M. (2023). Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among women of childbearing age referred to clinical laboratories in Ilam, Western Iran. Parasitologists United Journal, 16(3), 192-196. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.240236.1225
Marziyeh Nasirkandy; Milad Azami. "Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among women of childbearing age referred to clinical laboratories in Ilam, Western Iran". Parasitologists United Journal, 16, 3, 2023, 192-196. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.240236.1225
Nasirkandy, M., Azami, M. (2023). 'Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among women of childbearing age referred to clinical laboratories in Ilam, Western Iran', Parasitologists United Journal, 16(3), pp. 192-196. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.240236.1225
Nasirkandy, M., Azami, M. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among women of childbearing age referred to clinical laboratories in Ilam, Western Iran. Parasitologists United Journal, 2023; 16(3): 192-196. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.240236.1225
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among women of childbearing age referred to clinical laboratories in Ilam, Western Iran
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz
2Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam , Iran
Abstract
Background: Primary infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus and may cause serious complications. Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in women of child-bearing age in Ilam, Iran. Subjects and Methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted among 797 women of childbearing age who were referred to laboratories in Ilam, in the west of Iran. Inclusion criteria for participants were being a woman of child-bearing age, referred to one of four laboratories for routine check-up in different areas of Ilam city, and willing to participate. A venous blood sample was collected from each participant. Separated sera were examined using ELISA for measurement of anti-Toxoplasma IgG, and IgM. Results: The study included a total number of 797 women of child-bearing age with mean age of 29.92±7.23 years. The total seroprevalence of T. gondii, as measured by IgG level was 23.46% (187 women), of which 0.6% were seropositive for IgM. No significant relationship was recorded between seroprevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies and education level, occupation or residence, but age was significantly associated with toxoplasmosis (P=0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that most women of child–bearing age (76%) in Ilam are susceptible to infection and should be warned against the risk factors for toxoplasmosis to minimize exposure to T. gondii. Prenatal screening is recommended to help identify susceptible women to T. gondii.