Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and objective: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that infects at least 30-60 percent of human beings in many countries including Iran. The present study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM immunoglobulins in pregnant women and their newborns, as well as to investigate its association with some potential epidemiological factors.

Materials and Methods: Sera of 333 blood samples of pregnant mothers and their infants' umbilical cords were examined for IgG and IgM immunoglobulins against toxoplasma gondii using commercial ELISA kits. Data on some potential epidemiological parameters of infection were recorded.

Results: only 73 cases out of 240 (30.4%) mother blood samples and 83 cases out of 254 (32.7%) umbilical cords samples had detectable IgG antibodies against toxoplasma gondii. On other hand, only one (0.3%) umbilical cord sample were positive for IgM Immunoglobulins. Positive IgG results had statistically significant associations with job, educational levels, residence in rural or urban area and close contact with cats. Odds ratio of infection in housewives was 3.8 times of non-housewives, in rural women was 2.24 times of urban women, and in those with close cat contacts was 1.84 times of those without contact. 

Conclusions: Despite unfavorable environmental conditions, Kerman province is suitable for toxoplasma infection. Living in rural area, close contact with cats, being housewife and lower literacy are the main risk factors for infection acquisition.

Key words: Toxoplasma, Congenital toxoplasmosis, Umbilical cord

Funding: This project was financially supported by Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Conflict of interest: Authors have no conflict of interest to declare

Ethical approval: The research proposal was reviewed and approved in institutional ethics committee and research council of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

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How to cite this article: Zavari T, Mirzaei S, Rezaeian M, Zainodini N, Zare-Bidaki M. A Study of the Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM Immunoglobulins Against Toxoplasma Gondii in Pregnant Women Referred to Niknafs Maternity Ward of Rafsanjan City and in Umbilical Cord of their Infants in 2013. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2015 14(6): 507-18. [Farsi]