Evaluation of toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus and cytomegalovirus infections

Abstract

Objectives: Primary infection agents occurring during pregnancy and causing congenital anomalies are Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii), rubella virus and cytomegalovirus (CMV). It was revealed that these agents infected the fetus by crossing the placenta and increased the rate of fetal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between seroprevalences of T. gondii, rubella virus and CMV antibodies. Methods: The results were retrospectively evaluated. Pregnant women's serum samples sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Ankara Gulhane Training and Research Hospital between January 2018 and December 2018 were included in this study. T. gondii, rubella virus and CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were analysed using the chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Results: In this study, the results of 647 pregnant patients were retrospectively analysed. The median age of the attendants was 28.0 (18.0-49.0) years. IgM positivities for T. gondii, rubella virus and CMV were found as 3 (0.6%), 3 (0.5%) and 61 (15.0%) respectively and IgG positivities were 66 (13.8%), 529 (91.7%) and 394 (99.3%), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the results were consistent with the findings obtained in the regional studies. Seroprevalence studies in pregnant women will be guide for the necessity of prenatal screening tests. Therefore, the findings suggest that pregnant women and women of childbearing age should be investigated concerning T. gondii, the rubella virus and CMV antibodies.