We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Serologic Evidence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Pregnant Females in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.
- Authors
Imam, Abdelmageed; Al-Mansour, Mohammed
- Abstract
Background: Acute primary maternal Toxoplasma gondii infection is a risk factor of congenital toxoplasmosis where the newborn may suffer visual and hearing loss, mental and psychomotor retardation, hepato-splenomegaly or death. Serologic testing for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and/or IgG antibodies is usually the initial step for diagnosing acute primary maternal toxoplasmosis. Objective: To determine the frequency of clinically suspected acute primary maternal toxoplasmosis in pregnant women of Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using Toxoplasma IgM antibody testing. Materials and Methods: Case records were reviewed for the past 2 years on all pregnant women referred to Maternity & Children Hospital, Qassim and who were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Results: Out of a total 586 of pregnant women, 07 (1.2%) were found positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. The positivity ranged from 1.30-2.20 and it varied with age. IgM positivity was highest (> 2.0) among women aged below 30 years. Conclusion: In this study, anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies were identified in 1.2% pregnant cases. Further tests are required to confirm vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to the fetus.
- Publication
Pakistan Journal of Medical Research, 2015, Vol 54, Issue 3, p84
- ISSN
0030-9842
- Publication type
Academic Journal