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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in Menoufia governorate and identify the different genotypes of T. gondii in positive clinical samples. Background T. gondii is considered the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic disease worldwide, as at least one-third of the world«SQ»s population is infected. T. gondii has a highly unusual population structure consisting of three clonal lineages known as types I, II, and III. Patients and methods The present study included 92 pregnant women who were divided into five groups: GI, consisting of 44 women with first trimester abortion; GII, consisting of 29 women with second trimester abortion; GIII, consisting of seven women with IUFD; GIV, consisting of six women with CFM; and GV, consisting of six women with normal pregnancy outcome. Serum samples were collected for detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Placental samples and products of conception were collected for PCR. Results A total of 48 (52.2%) women were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and nine (9.78%) were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. There was an association between IgG seroprevalence and age, gravidity, history of abortion, eating undercooked meat, and eating underwashed vegetables. Toxoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 26 (28.26%) women by means of PCR for the B1 gene. In nine of them amplification of the SAG2 gene was successful and typed as genotype I. Conclusion Seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women in Menoufia governorate was 52.2%, which is considered high. Only genotype I was detected. The introduction of health educational programs should be considered.

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