SEROPREVALANCE OF TOXOPLASMA IgG AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE PROVINCE OF HATAY AND CONTRIBUTION OF AVIDITY TEST TO THE DIAGNOSE

Objective: Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, is a common zoonosis in the world and causes toxoplasmosis. The infection is usually asymptomatic and if it occurs during pregnancy it may cause congenital anomalies, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. In this study, determination of seroprevalance of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among pregnant women in the province of Hatay was aimed. In addition, IgG avidity test was performed in subjects who had positive test results for both of the two antibodies. Design: In this study, 3340 pregnant women who admitted to the outpatient clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Mustafa Kemal University between the years of 2007 and 2012 were included. Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibody test results of the subjects were examined retrospectively by screening the records of microbiology laboratory of the hospital. Additionally, IgG avidity test was performed in 114 cases whose test results for both Toxoplasma IgM and IgG were positive. Main outcome measures: IgM and IgG seropositivity rates were found as 3.6% (n : 120) and 57% (n: 1910), respectively. The rate of new infection was detected with avidity test as 31%. Conclusions: Since remarkably high seropositivity rate was observed in the Mediterranean region especially in the province of Hatay, antibody testing for Toxoplasma gondii may be useful during routine examinations of women who are in this region. In addition, measures should be taken to raise awareness of hygiene in our region in terms of water and sanitation.