Early detection of Toxoplasmosis in Iraqi pregnant women

Objective: To investigate the levels of IL8 and immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) in women with Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy if they were different from those in the control group. Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study included 70 pregnant and non-pregnant females who were enrolled at Tikrit general hospital, Tikrit from January 1, to July 1, 2022. Inclusion criteria include pregnant women with toxoplasmosis. Anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies (Torch-IgG, IgM) and IL8 levels were determined in all women. Results: The survey indicated a high number (48.5%) among ages 20, followed by 40% among ages 21-29. At age >20 years, the most positive IgM and IgG cases were reported (3 and 12), respectively, while only (2 and 7) were reported at age 21-29. In women who had a miscarriage with IgM positive as (8.5%) compared to miscarriage (11%), while women with miscarriage and positive IgG as (10.5%) compared without miscarriage (70%). The study found pregnant women had higher IL-8 levels than the control group (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Those under 20 years old had the largest total, followed by those in 21-29 years age. There were fewer cases of positive antibodies (M and G) seen in women aged 21–29 (8 and 7 cases). The levels of IL-8 were significantly higher in pregnant women who had experienced a miscarriage with a positive IgM (8.5%) than in those who had not (11%).