Abstract
Aims: The microbial pathogen Toxoplasma gondii is commonly associated with congenital infections that are not clinically apparent. Primary T. gondii infection in the first trimester pregnancy may cause severe congenital anomalies or even foetal loss. The present study is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among aborted women in Gaza, to study the relationship between animal rearing and the presence of Toxoplasmosis and to assess the relation of some abnormalities and infection with Toxoplasmosis.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was implemented to detect, describe and analyze toxoplasmosis among women with abortion attending Al-shifa hospital in Gaza strip. Quantitative investigation of each blood sample for the levels of the specific IgG and IgM of T.gondii was done from 312 aborted women.
Results: The overall prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG was found 17.9% and Toxoplasma IgM was found to be 12.8%. The age of the participant woman ranged from 16 to 45 years old; 216 came from Gaza city (69.2%) and the others reside in near villages 96 (30.8%). Most of the participants (59.0%) had secondary education level. Animal breading was reported for 33.3% of the aborted women.
Conclusions: Toxoplasmosis still exists and considered one of the risk factors for pregnancy miscarriage. Both IgG and IgM tests are recommended as routine tests among pregnant women in Gaza.