Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Neonates

Abstract

Background: To study toxoplasmosis in neonates using PCR and serological methods.
Methods: Sera and CSF of 104 neonates, hospitalized in infants' ward of Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran were examined. The sera were examined for anti Toxoplasma gondii lgM and lgG specific antibodies with ELISA and IFA techniques, respectively. Meanwhile, obtained CSFs of the cases were evaluated for the genome of this parasite by PCR technique.
Results: Results showed positivity in 7 neonates (6.73%) which suggested congenital toxoplasmosis. Results of PCR were positive in 6 neonates (5.77%). The 1/100 titer of lgM specific antibodies was positive in 5(4.81%) of them by IFA technique and 6 neonates (5.77%) had positive results by ELISA technique for IgM specific. The rate of mortality was %0.96. Forty one neonates had 1/200 titer of specific lgG antibodies by IFA technique and 38 neonates had positive results by ELISA technique for IgG antibodies. The prevalence of chronic toxoplasmosis in mother was 32.7% and 30% by IFA and ELISA techniques, respectively.
Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is still highly prevalent in neonates and should be considered due to the fact that suspected cases might be misdiagnosed and subsequently led to life- threatening or fatal condition.