Epidemiological study of toxoplasmosis infection in pregnant women in the city of Al-Rifai, Dhi Qar – Iraq

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Zainab F. Atiyah, Moayad M. Ubaid

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is widespread throughout the world and affects most warm-blooded animals, including humans. The goal of this investigation was to study the relationship between age, areas of residence, educational level, and the incidence of toxoplasmosis. Method: About 3ml of venous blood was drawn from each woman after sterilizing the area from which blood was to be drawn. The blood sample was then placed in a sterile test tube containing gel and devoid of anticoagulants (Gel tube) and left at room temperature for 10 minutes, then placed in Centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 10-20 minutes. After that, the separated serum was drawn into it using a micropipette equipped with a fine tip, and the serum was placed inside a plastic Eppendorf test tube, which was tightly closed and installed inside a test tube holder (rack). Then it was transferred to a deep freezer and stored at -20℃ until the required tests were carried out. Results: The results of the study showed an increase in the levels of IgM and IgG in pregnant women living in rural areas compared to pregnant women living in urban areas, and antibody levels were also higher in uneducated pregnant women compared to educated pregnant women. On the other hand, there was an increase in the level of IgM in Age group 25-34 and an increase in IgG levels in the age group 17-24. Conclusion: The effect of residence in rural areas on the rates of infection with acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was significant, while the effect of low educational level on the rates of infection with toxoplasmosis was without significant significance in the acute and chronic cases. On the other hand, it was found that there was no significant significance in the effect of age on the incidence of acute toxoplasmosis and, on the contrary, in chronic toxoplasmosis.

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