Immune status to congenital infections by TORCH agents in pregnant Saudi women.

Abstract

Sera from 1186 Saudi pregnant women were serologically tested for antibodies to the TORCH agents known to cause serious congenital infections: viz. Toxoplasma gondii syphilis rubella cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex viruses and the HBs Ag. CMV-total antibodies were detected by ELISA in 88% of these pregnant women. Similarly a high prevalence (78%) of rubella antibodies was also detected by ELISA. Using the IF test 32% were found to exhibit IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. HSV-1 IgG antibodies were detected in 92% and HSV-2 in 6.3% by IF. A high prevalence (3.7%) of HBs Ag was found; this undermines the role of vertical transmission in spreading hepatitis B virus in the Saudi population. An extremely low incidence (0.8%) of syphilis was detected. Congenital infections due to various TORCH agents have been established by serology (specific IgM positivity in mother during pregnancy and the finding of specific IgM also in the infants cord blood) concurring with congenital abnormalities. 2 cases each of congenital rubella syphilis and one of congenital CMV have been documented. Further 2 instances of infections due to Toxoplasma gondii were unequivocally shown by positive test for Toso-IgM in pregnancy. (authors modified)