EJMS

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic disease which can infect humans and animals in tropical and subtropical countries. The infection can have serious impacts on fetuses if it infects pregnant women. Zinc and Mg have important roles in the immunity against different organisms including toxoplasma. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women attending primary health care centers in Majmaa province, KSA. The relation of toxoplasmosis with serum Zn and Mg level were also investigated. Methods: In this study, 480 blood samples referred to King Khalid Hospital in Majmaa were studied. IgG and IgM specific antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were assayed employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum Zn and Mg level were measured in toxoplasmosis positive women compared to a toxoplasmosis negative control group. Results: The result of the present study showed that out of 480 samples, 92 (19.2%) and 8 (1.7%) cases were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Serum Zn levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) whereas serum Mg levels were not different in toxoplasmosis positive compared to seronegative women. Discussion: Toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy is of low prevalence while chronic toxoplasmosis is of moderate prevalence among pregnant women in Majmaa Province . Zn levels were lower in seropositive women in the present study and thus it seems that zinc supplementation during pregnancy may be valuable for decreasing the risk of toxoplasmosis.