Evaluation of toxoplasma, rubella, and cytomegalovirus seroprevalence and avidity testing in pregnant women

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pathogens capable of transplacental transmission leading to significant perinatal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women, and to provide updated regional data for clinical guidance.

Methodology: In this retrospectively study toxoplasma, rubella and CMV antibody results studied using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in the sera of pregnant women who applied to Zonguldak Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital between June 2022 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Among 2816 pregnant women, IgG seropositivity was observed in 697 (24.8%) for Toxoplasma gondii, 2623 (93.6%) for Rubella, and 2755 (98.3%) for CMV. IgM seropositivity was found in 62 (2.2%), 18 (0.6%), and 21 (0.7%) patients, respectively. Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was significantly higher in women aged ≥40 years, while Rubella IgG positivity peaked in the 25–29 age group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the rate of Toxoplasma seronegativity found in our study suggests that screening of women would be beneficial and that studies of these infections, in which regional differences in seroprevalence are observed, would contribute to the development of appropriate strategies for screening.