Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women in western region of Turkey

Purpose: Prenatal screening for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella virus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infectious agents is an important tool in this process. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these infections through antenatal screening in Kocaeli region. Material and Methods: 1972 samples of sera were tested for antibodies to TORCH agents known to cause serious congenital infections: T. gondii, rubella, CMV. Anti-Toxoplasma, anti-rubella and anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed by ELISA method using Abbott kits (Axsym, Abbott, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Of 1972 pregnant women, seropositivity for anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody was found in 952 (48.3%), while 8 (0.4%) of the subjects tested were positive for the anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody only, and 31 (1.6%) of the subjects tested were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG+IgM antibodies together. The seropositivities for anti-rubella IgG, IgM and IgG+IgM together were found in 1896 (96.1%), 4 (0.2%) and 35 (1.8%) of the pregnant women, respectively. The seropositivities for anti-CMV IgG, IgM and IgG+IgM together were found in 1900 (96.4%), 13 (0.7%) and 37 (1.9%) of the pregnant women, respectively. Conclusion: Widespread population screening may contribute to the prevention of congenital infections due to TORCH agents. Because of the high seropositivity of T. gondii, rubella and CMV in pregnant women, preventive measures should be taken.