Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma Infection in the Pregnant Women in Zahedan, Southeast of Iran

Background: Congenital transmission, prenatal mortality and abortion, are major problems in most countries with high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondi infection and study of seroepidemiology of this infection among the pregnant women, could provide applicable approaches to preventive measures. In order to determine the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in the pregnant women, this study was carried out. Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, a total of 200 cases were selected randomly from pregnant women who, were referred to health center clinics in Zahedan province (Southeast of Iran). Obtained sera were examined for Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A titer of 1:20 was considered as positive for Toxoplasma infection. Results: The studies showed that, a total of 54 samples (27%) were positive at titers 1:20 or more. Frequencies of different titers in positive subjects were as follows: 1:20, 20%; 1:100, 32.2%; 1:200, 40%; and 1:400 or more, 7.8%. The highest rate of infection was observed in the uneducated mothers (44.4%). Seropositivity was higher in pregnant women, who aged 15 to 30 (78.5%). We found a significant correlation between educatin status, unwashed/unpeeled vegetables and seropositivity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Regarding to this study and other studies in North of Iran (western and eastern parts of Caspian Sea), this area has a relatively lower seropositivity in this group. However, there is a need for further in-depth studies to understand the significance of infection in women with history of repeated foetal wastage, congenital malformation in her infant, especially in the women of uneducated group