English

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection with protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Acute infection in pregnant women may be transmitted to the fetus and cause severe illness. Most infected new born have no symptoms at birth, but if left untreated serious clinical manifestation can develop during childhood and early adulthood. Because congenital toxoplasma infection does not usually produce recognizable sign of infection in infancy and non-specificity of the symptoms, we were concerned by the fact that most case remain untreated, therefore we have used immunoglobulin M (IgM) avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for screening infants, and identify who should receive therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 pregnant women were included in the study. The group consists of the mother of bad obstetric history, and clinical conditions suggestive of toxoplasmosis. Blood sample collected from all these mothers and were screened by ELISA for IgM antibodies. Results: Among 90 women, maximum age group was from 20 to 24 years i.e., 36 (40%) followed by 34 (37.77%) from the age group of 25-29 years.18 were seropositive for IgM toxoplasmosis, and abortion was the most common event seen followed by preterm delivery. Maximum patients were on a mixed diet, i.e., 13 (72.22%). Conclusion: Congenital toxoplasmosis is a preventable disease, and it emphasizes the importance of early prenatal serological tests, and to take preventive measures when necessary, in order to avoid a dramatic fetal disease. It should be mandatory to screen every pregnant females and infants, and initiation of judicious treatment on time can, thus be provided to prevent morbidity and mortality due to toxoplasmosis.