SCREENING RUBELLA AND TOXOPLASMA INFECTIONS IN FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

Objective: Rubella and toxoplasma infections are considered as causes of congenital anomalies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of rubella and toxoplasma infections in pregnancy and determine risk factors which related with infection. Material and Method: This retrospective study was conducted in January 2014- December 2014. In this study, the screening of rubella and toxoplasma test results of 2947 pregnant women with unknown pre-pregnancy serological status were evaluated. The women who were screened for rubella and toxoplasma with immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies in first trimester of present pregnancy included. The screening protocol was standardized. Both IgG and IgM antibodies for screening rubella and toxoplasma were evaluated. Results: Presence of IgM antibody positivity alone was not detected in any women. High avidity was detected in 52 out of 55 women who were IgM antibody positive, which excluded primary infection. Two women were positive for rubella IgG and IgM antibodies with low avidity index were considered have acute infection. In one woman with IgG and IgM antibodies positive against Toxoplasma gondii, avidity index was borderline and susceptible to acute infection during pregnancy. High abortion rates were revealed in women who diagnosed with toxoplasma seropositivity. Discussion: Assessment of IgG and IgM antibodies followed by IgG avidity testing for inconclusive results represents an acceptable approach in pregnant women with unknown pre-pregnancy serological status