Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the Iranian pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Seroprevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Bonga Hospital, Southwestern Ethiopia

Background Toxoplasmosis is a great public health concern due to its capacity for prenatal transmission. Serologic studies have reported various estimates for seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Iranian pregnant women. Estimation of the pooled prevalence of this infection is necessary for policy-making. Aims The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Iranian pregnant women using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We searched national and international databases to identify relevant studies. To enhance the search sensitivity, we evaluated all references and interviewed relevant researchers and research centres. The final studies for meta-analysis were selected according to the quality assessment as well as inclusion/exclusion criteria. Because of the heterogeneity of the primary results, random effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of T. gondii. We included 43 studies with a total sample size of 22 644 in the meta-analysis. Results The pooled seroprevalence of overall toxoplasma infection, IgG antibody and IgM antibody was estimated at 41.3% (95% CI: 35.8-46.8), 39.2% (95% CI: 33.3-45.1) and 4.0% (95% CI: 3.1-4.9) respectively. Conclusions Our study showed that a considerable proportion of Iranian pregnant women are at high risk for toxoplasmosis.

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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among Iranian pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat ( value = 0.007) and history of abortion ( value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.

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Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by an obligatory intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The congenital form of the disease is a significant health problem around the world. This study aimed to determine the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in the newborn of Shiraz, Southern Iran, between 2013 and 2018. A total of 2498 blood samples of neonates were randomly collected by a standard heel puncture technique and dried on Guthrie cards from Shiraz newborn screening center. We provided questionnaire forms for mothers according to their demographic characteristics, such as age, place of residence, history of having cats as pet, and literacy level. ELISA immunocapture and PCR assays were applied to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgM and the parasite DNA in dried blood spot samples. The anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody was detected in two out of the 2498 infants. Moreover, borderline titers were observed in 3 samples, which were considered suspicious, so these were retested after 18 months to detect IgG against Toxoplasma. Positive IgG titer was observed in two infants who had a positive IgM level. The genome of Toxoplasma was detected in one sample out of 2498. No significant differences were seen between the epidemiological factors with congenital infection. The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis is estimated at 0.08% of studied samples. It seems that this incidence could present to the health ministry as a logical research achievement for the national screening program of newborns in Iran.

Molecular and serological study on congenital toxoplasmosis in newborn of Shiraz, Southern Iran

The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Karaj township of Alborz province by ELISA method. The blood samples were taken from 400 pregnant women referred to the health centers of Karaj township. IgM and IgG titers and effects of some factors on incidence of the disease were appraised. Anti Toxoplasma IgM and IgG were positive in 1% and 29% respectively. Seropositive subjects were more frequently seen in women with age >30 years compared to younger women. No significant relationship was found among the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and level of education, residence area, history of abortion and gestational age. According to the positive cases between the patients, there should be some regular screen programs to recognize the chronic and acute infections especially in pregnant women.

https://www.entomoljournal.com/vol2Issue6/pdf/31.1.pdf

Study of seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Karaj township of Alborz province [2013]

Diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women referred to therapeutic centers of Alborz Province (Iran) using immunoglobulin G avidity ELISA technique

Abbas Ghasemi

Papers

Study of seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Karaj township of Alborz province [2013]

Diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women referred to therapeutic centers of Alborz Province (Iran) using immunoglobulin G avidity ELISA technique