Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Isolated from Aborted Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed infection which is mostly asymptomatic but can cause serious health problems in congenitally-infected newborns. 

Objectives: Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii and its distribution among aborted Iraqi pregnant and its relationship with sero-prevalence of alpha-fetoprotein positivity among toxoplasmosis cases.

Martials and Methods: Ninety six blood and amniotic fluids samples were collected from aborted women that are suspected to have Toxoplasma gondii infection from 368 samples collected from Al-Sadir Hospital, Al-Habibia Hospital, Al-Ilwea Hospital, Baghdad for delivery Hospital, Al Khark Hospital, and Educational Laboratories of medicine City, during the period from the 1^st May 2014 till the end of June 2015.The results of aborted women investigations were compared with those of 79 apparently healthy controls volunteers pregnant.

            Results: This study revealed that there is a highly significant increment in genotyping of Toxoplasma Type II, [9(15.25%)], type I and III [2(3.38)]. While the distribution the genotypes of Toxoplasma strains according to age groups showed that the highest frequency (55.6%) of Type I was among those at age (15-25) years, while Type II was predominant (39.6%) among the age group (36-45) years. For Type III, it was observed in very low percentage among aborted (only 2 cases out of 96). The results showed a highly significant difference in IgM level [48(93.8%)] among type II, [9(100%)] Type I, and [2(100%)] Type III in comparison with healthy control (P<0.01). Moreover, the current results revealed a highly significant different in Alpha-fetoprotein AFP positivity among [8(88.9%)], [46(95.8%)] and [2(100.0%)] for Type 1, II and III respectively in comparison with [16(43.2%)] of healthy control While level of AFP (P<0.01).

Conclusions: In view of the current results it could be concluded that type II strain was the most common strain among the Genotypes. The genotype I the most deadly type, while type III, which is an entero-zoonotic parasite recorded for the first time in Iraq.