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  • Title: Increasing toxoplasma seropositivity in women with bad obstetric history and in newborns.
    Author: Sharma P, Gupta I, Ganguly NK, Mahajan RC, Malla N.
    Journal: Natl Med J India; 1997; 10(2):65-6. PubMed ID: 9153982.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Most infants with congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection have no symptoms at birth but few may develop retinal diseases or neurological abnormalities later in life. The presence of significant titres of antitoxoplasma antibodies in women in the reproductive age group indirectly indicates that Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of such congenital abnormalities and also sporadic abortions in some women. METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of antitoxoplasma antibodies detected by indirect haemagglutination assay, in women with bad obstetrical history and in newborns clinically suspected of congenital toxoplasmosis during 1981-91. RESULTS: A significant increase in seropositivity in women and newborns was seen during 1989-91 as compared to 1981-88. More seropositive patients were recorded between April-June and October-December. However, no significant correlation could be observed between rising incidence of seropositivity and the seasonal distribution or age of women. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies are required to ascertain the reason for the increasing trend of toxoplasma seropositivity and to suggest appropriate control strategies as it is possible to prevent congenital infection. Congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection is associated with serious sequelae, such as impaired vision, neurological disorders, and sensorineural hearing loss. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis is known to be higher in women with a bad obstetrical history. This association was examined further in a prospective study of 7222 patients (5916 women with a bad obstetrical history and 1306 newborns clinically suspected of having toxoplasmosis) conducted at the Nehru Hospital Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology) in Chandigarh, India, during 1981-91. Toxoplasma seropositivity remained constant at 0.02% from 1981 to 1987; this rate increased to 0.06% in 1989, 0.08% in 1990, and 0.15% in 1991. More seropositive cases were detected in April-June and October-December. Toxoplasmosis, associated with an increased risk of abortion, stillbirth, and congenital infection, is presumed to be a significant cause of bad obstetrical history. The epidemiologic trends underlying the rising trend in toxoplasmosis are unknown.
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