Cukurova Medical Journal (Sep 2021)
Comparison of Toxoplasma and Rubella seropositivity rates of Syrian and Turkish pregnant women
Abstract
Purpose: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and cytomegalovirus (TORCH) infections are the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to compare the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma and Rubella in Turkish pregnant women and Syrian refugee pregnant women, whose number is increasing in our region. Materials and Methods: Syrian and Turkish pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 49 who were admitted to a secondary care hospital for their first prenatal visit between March 2018 and November 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Age, gravida, parity, nationality and anti-T. gondii IgM, anti-T. gondii IgG, anti-Rubella IgM, and anti-Rubella IgG test results of the patients included in the study were retrospectively recorded from the hospital archive and compared. Results: Out of 3,606 pregnant women included in the study, 2,768 (76.7%) were Turkish and 838 (23.3%) were Syrian. Anti-T. gondii IgM positivity rate (6.1%) of Syrian pregnant women was significantly higher than the rate (2.1%) of Turkish pregnant women. Although Anti-Rubella IgG positivity was not statistically significantly different it was higher in Turkish pregnant women (85.2% and 88.7% respectively). Conclusion: Knowing the incidence and prevalence of toxoplasma and rubella infection in pregnant women plays a critical role in determining the burden of the disease, planning screening programs, and active use of primary healthcare services. Screening programs in antenatal care for toxoplasma and rubella should especially be planned in regions that provide healthcare by considering the increasing number of Syrian refugees.
