Serological screening for antenatal toxoplasma infection in India

Abstract

Purpose: Detection of infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy to prevent congenital infection.

Materials and methods: This study was carried out from January 2005 to 2006 in 300 pregnant women. Antitoxoplasma IgG, IgM, IgA antibody and IgG avidity were assessed using ELISA. At least two samples were taken at least 3 weeks apart preferably one in each trimester.

Result: Of these 300 pregnant women, anti toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 46 (15.33%) cases, while 9 (3%) had positive anti toxoplasma IgM with IgA and /low IgG avidity antibodies suggestive of acute infection during or just before pregnancy.

Conclusion: The results indicate that about 85% of female population of Chandigarh is susceptible to toxoplasma infection and thus should be specifically educated about prevention of this infection during pregnancy.