Serodiagnosis of Torch Infections among Aborted Women in Duhok City/ Kurdistan Region /iraq

Abstract

ABSTRACT: TORCH syndrome is a cluster of symptoms caused by congenital infection with (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus, and other pathogens such as Hepatitis B virus antigen and syphilis) during the gestation period of pregnancy. The infection might lead to fetal abnormalities or abortion. Objective: The current study was done to detect TORCH pathogens, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis antigens in women with a previous history of recurrent abortion using serological test in Duhok city. Materials and method: A direct rapid test was used as a serological method for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against TORCH pathogens as well as the seropositivity of HBV antigen and syphilis. A total of 90 pregnant women with bad obstetric history were included in the current study throughout April–August 2017 in Duhok City/ Kurdistan Region/Iraq. Results: The total seropositivity of anti-pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes virus) were 19/90(21.1%), 17/90(18.9), 16/90(17.8), 16/90(17.8%) and for HBs Ag and syphilis 3/90 (3.3%) and syphilis 1/90(1.1%) respectively. The IgM and IgG seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes viruses were (13.3% and 7.8%), (10.0% and 8.9%), (10.0% and 7.8%), and (10.0% and 7.8%) respectively. Seroprevalence of anti-pathogens IgG and IgM antibodies associated with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were indicated in the results section. Conclusion: A previous history of pregnancy wastage and the serological test for TORCH infection in addition to HBs Ag and syphilis during current pregnancy must be considered while managing BOH cases as to reduce the adverse fetal outcomes, the early diagnosis of TORCH using serological methods is highly significant.