Results of the Toxoplasmosis Screening in 9311 Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Center in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasite that can cause permanent sequelae to the fetus when infected during pregnancy in humans. Although the frequency of this parasite varies widely between countries, it is known that it is common in our country. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasma in pregnant women admitted to a tertiary hospital in central Anatolia and to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes together with seroprevalence. Materials and Methods: A total of 9311 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital between January 2016 and December 2018 were included into the study. After serological examination, avidity test was performed in cases suggestive of acute infection. Amniocentesis was recommended to be performed by Polimeraze Chain Reaction (PCR) in patients with low avidity. Results: The frequency of Toxoplasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G and M seropositivity rates were 20.3% and 0.28%, respectively. Low avidity was found in approximately 27% of the patients with IgM positivity, and only 15.4% had low avidity by confirmatory test. One patient could not be reached during follow-up. PCR was performed in 4 patients whose low avidity value was confirmed by re-tests and all of their PCR results were reported negative. No cases of congenital toxoplasmosis were detected during the 3 years in our clinic. Conclusion: The inclusion of toxoplasma in routine screening programme is still controversial and differs between countries. Screening in areas with a high rate of toxoplasma, such as in our country, may be rational. If infection is detected, treatment may be recommended because it may reduce the transmission to the fetus.