Objective:

To investigate the distribution of toxoplasma gondii antibodies retrospectively among the first trimester antenatal population in Trakya region.

Material and Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzes seroprevalance of toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in the sera of 1646 first trimester pregnancies attended to the Obstetrics&Gynecology Antenatal Care Unit in Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine between January 2000 and June 2009. For this purpose IgM, IgG and if necessary, IgG avidity results were evaluated. Besides, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human inmmunodeficieny virus type 1 and 2 antibodies (Anti HIV), cytomegalovirus (AntiCMV) IgG and IgM antibodies, hepatitis C antibody (AntiHCV), rubella (antirubella) IgM and IgG antibodies and “venereal disease research laboratory” (VDRL) results evaluated in the same period were also investigated.

Results:

Although the status of seroprevalance is not known in 313 (19%) women, 876 pregnant women (65.71%) were IgG and IgM seronegative, 426 (31.95%) were IgG seropositivite, 13 (0.97%) were IgM positivite and 18 (1.35%) were both IgG and IgM seropositivite. On the other hand, 13 of 18 patients with both IgG and IgM seropositivity showed high avidity but avidity could not be evaluated in 4 patients. HBsAg positivity was found in 3% (47/1526), AntiHCV positivity in 0.8% (12/1474), VDRL in 0.4% (5/1056), rubella IgM antibody in 0.7% (9/1254), rubella IgG antibody in 76.6% (940/1227), according to the other serologic tests. AntiCMV IgM antibody was positive in 17 (17/1284, 1.3%) and IgG was positive in 1027 (1027/1279, 80.3%) patients.

Conclusion:

As well as toxoplasma exposure rate in the pregnant women from Trakya Region of Turkey is high (%30), nearly half of first trimester women were found seronegative. Screening during the first trimester would be appropriate, particularly for women who are under risk of infection.

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Pregnancy