Epidemiological aspects of abortion in pregnant women due to Toxoplasma and some viral infections

Abstract

Background: Numerous infections can be passed vertically from a mother to her offspring. Newborn infections are primarily acquired in three ways: through transmission from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. During delivery through contact with infected genital secretions, blood and feces during the neonatal period through breastfeeding, blood transfusion, and hospital-acquired infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of abortion in pregnant women attributed to Toxoplasma gondii assessing the prevalence, and associated risk factors of abortion in pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus (cmv), Herpes simplex virus (hsv), and Rubella virus. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study conducted in Kirkuk city from October 10th, 2023, to February 10th, 2024. A total of 120 women with a history of abortion, aged between 20 and 45 years, were enrolled, alongside 60 women with two or more previous normal pregnancies, serving as controls. Inclusion criteria encompassed age between 20 and 45 years and a history of abortion, while exclusion criteria included ectopic or molar pregnancy, chronic diseases, and hormonal treatment during pregnancy. Blood samples were collected, and serological for specific antibodies against Toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hherpes simplex virus (HSV), and Rubella virus was performed using ELISA kits. Results: The study indicated no significant differences in the age distribution and residency between aborted women and the control group. Obstetric properties revealed the majority of aborted women (75.83%) reported 1-2 previous abortions, with variations in the number of children. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive epidemiological assessment and preventive strategies to mitigate the impact of infectious agents on pregnancy outcomes.