Rafidain Journal of Science

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasites among humans worldwide, as serological studies indicate that more than one third of the population of the world is infected with this parasite. This parasite is one of the main causes of abortion in pregnant women which mainly occur in the acute phase of infection and in early pregnancy. The present study aimed to detect toxoplasma among pregnant women and its relationship with some immunological markers. Fifty blood samples (5ml) were collected from aborted woman (within 15 days after abortion) and 10 blood samples collected from healthy woman as control. The serums were used to evaluate IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ. The results showed that toxoplasma caused abortion in the first trimester in rate of 68%. The majority of aborted women (76%) were at age group 25-30 years. As for immunological parameters, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ significantly increased in woman aborted with toxoplasmosis in compare with healthy woman. The parameters were also higher among toxoplasma positive patients when compared with aborted women with other cause but these increases in the immunological parameters were not significant. The study conclude that toxoplasma is still the main causes of abortion in women and it associated with significant increase in immunological markers represented by IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ.