Comparison of the Toxoplasma Seroprevalence Rates in Syrian Refugee Pregnant Women and Turkish Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective:This study evaluated the Toxoplasma seroprevalence rates of pregnant women among Syrian refugees and local residents and examined the effect of large-scale migrations of communities on Toxoplasma seroprevalence.Methods:A total of 29,424 pregnant women (age range: 15-45 years) who presented to Kahramanmaraş Necip Fazıl City Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic between January 2012 and January 2021 for routine follow-up during the first trimester of pregnancy were retrospectively examined and included in the study. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG values of the pregnant women were divided into two groups: Local residents and refugees. Each group was divided into three age subgroups: 5-25 years, 25-35 years, and 35-45 years. Results of the refugees and local residents were compared in general terms and based on age groups.Results:The seropositivity rate for Toxoplasma IgM was higher in refugees than in local residents (2.7% vs. 1.6%; p=<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of IgG seropositivity was higher in the refugee group (64% vs. 41%; p=<0.05). According to age groups, this statistical difference was preserved for both Toxoplasma IgM and IgG.Conclusion:It has been found that local residents and refugees in our province were above the global average in terms of Toxoplasma seropositivity rate. Seropositivity rates in the refugees appeared to be higher than those in countries with a routine screening program. Therefore, routine Toxoplasma screening should be performed in pregnant women, especially in our region.

Keywords

• toxoplasma gondii
• seroprevalence
• pregnancy