Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii specific repeat element in blood of recurrent aborted women by real-time PCR

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat contains tissue cyst or contaminated food or water with oocyst of Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is prevalent in humans, domestic and wild animals and is causative agent of abortion and congenital abnormalities. Methods: From october-2019 to April 2020, blood and serum samples were collected from 63 women with recurrent abortion. Serum samples were used for identification of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. Real time- Polymerase Chain reaction technique utilized for revealing of the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood specimens. Presented study results showed the high aborted women 33 (52%) in age group (20-29), and high number of aborted women 36 (57%) have 3-6 abortions. Serodiagnosis results of 63 aborted women showed that 19 (30%) were seropositive for only IgG antibody, 6(10%) were seropositive for IgM antibody, and 6 (10%) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Molecular diagnosis of T. gondii DNA infection by RT- PCR for amplification of repeat region 529 bp of T. gondii DNA, revealed that only 7 (11.1%) blood samples were positive. RT-PCR assay was more sensitive and specific than serologic ELISA method in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in recurrent aborted women.