Specific IgM to Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella and Cytomegalovirus Infection in First Trimester Miscarriage with Seasonal Variation

Abstract

Objectives : To assess the prevalence of IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii Rubella and Cytomegalovirus[CMV] from sera of miscarriage women during first trimester. In addition to estimate information about abortion rates by seasonal variation to establish basic information for future diagnostic and prophylactic measures in maternal and child health care .Material and Methods: A total of 639 miscarriage women aged 18 to 30 years old [mean age 24.2+4.5 years ] were enrolled in this cross-sectional study . Blood samples were collected and sera were separated for estimation of IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii ,Rubella and CMV, which were assayed by ELIZA [enzyme linked immune sorbent assay ] method using Biocheck, Inc foster city ,CA ] according to manufacturer's instructions Results: 639 samples were tested in this studies, seropositivity for anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies was found in 70 [11%] . The seropositivity for anti-rubella IgM and anti-CMV IgM were found in 73 [11.4%] and 341[53.4%] respectively , while 155 [24.2%] of the subjects tested were negative for IgM antibodies of the screened pathogens . Seasonal pattern was highly significant [p<0.05 ] for average monthly number of miscarriage women that associated with IgM seropositivity with major peak during spring and summer seasons .Conclusion: Widespread serologic screening before pregnancy is essential and because of the high seropositivity of Toxoplasma, Rubella and CMV association in pregnant women , preventive measures should be taken .Moreover, abortion cases were significantly associated with relatively hot season than that of cold season ,so management facilities should be readily available during the high frequency of abortion