Association between Toxoplasma gondii IgM Seropositivity and Miscarriage among Yemeni Women in Sana'a, Yemen: A Case-Control Study
Keywords:
Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis, IgM antibodies, Spontaneous abortion, Pregnancy, YemenAbstract
Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis worldwide. Primary infection during pregnancy may result in miscarriage, fetal death, or congenital toxoplasmosis with severe fetal complications.
Objective. This study aimed to investigate the association between acute T. gondii infection and spontaneous abortion among women in Sana'a, Yemen.
Methods. A case-control study was conducted from March 2017 to March 2018 in selected hospitals and health centers in Sana'a City. Serum samples were collected from 90 women with spontaneous abortion (cases) and 90 women with normal pregnancy (controls). Acute T. gondii infection was assessed by detecting anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Sociodemographic, obstetrical, and potential risk-factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS.
Results. Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were detected in 4.4% (4/90) of women with spontaneous abortion and in none of the controls. Although IgM seropositivity was observed exclusively among cases, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). No significant associations were identified between acute T. gondii infection and sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, or assessed risk factors.
Conclusion. Acute T. gondii infection was detected only among women with spontaneous abortion; however, no statistically significant association with miscarriage was demonstrated in this study. Larger studies with adequate statistical power are recommended to further evaluate the role of primary toxoplasmosis in pregnancy loss.
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