Early detection of Toxoplasma gondii by real-time polymerase chain reaction methods in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions

Abstract

Introduction: One of the causes of recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) is an infection by the toxoplasmosis Protozoa. In comparison, we present detailed results using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods of detection. In this study, it was tried to detect Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) by real-time PCR methods in patients with RSA. Methods: Amniotic fluid sampling was performed in the 16-20th weeks of gestation in 50 pregnant women with a history of RSA. The extracted deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: In all the cases, the detection of T. gondii was negative in the peripheral blood, and amniotic fluid samples by using the molecular methods (real-time PCR). Using the serological detection methods, 6% of patients were diagnosed as positive for the immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody. In addition, the IgG antibody was positive in 46% of the patients. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the serological methods lack specificity.

Keywords

• Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
• Toxoplasmosis
• Amniotic Fluid
• Serological Diagnosis