SEROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DIAGNOSIS OF TOXOPLASMOSIS AMONG ABORTED WOMEN IN SORAN DISTRICT, KURDISTAN- IRAQ

Bushra Hussain Shnawa; Dlpak Hamad

Article Details

SEROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DIAGNOSIS OF TOXOPLASMOSIS AMONG ABORTED WOMEN IN SORAN DISTRICT, KURDISTAN- IRAQ

Authors:

Bushra Hussain Shnawa | Dlpak Hamad

Publisher:

University of Zakho, Iraq

Journal:

Science Journal of University of Zakho Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.299-308

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001935103

pISSN:

2663-6298

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite with a cosmopolitan distribution that causes severe health complications known as toxoplasmosis, especially among pregnant women and immunocompromised people.  This investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of T. gondii in serum and placental tissue of aborted women in Soran city, Iraq, and its correlation with various socio-demographic characteristics, as well as associated risk factors.  Blood specimens (250) from spontaneously aborted females were verified for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA). The immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique was also employed to examine placental samples for the confirmation of the parasite. The CLIA assay explored that 19.6% of women who underwent abortions showed positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, indicating a past or chronic infection, while 1.2% displayed positive anti-Toxoplasma IgM, suggesting an acute or recent infection.   All placental tissue from CLIA-seropositive women showed a positive reaction by IHC, indicating the presence of the parasite antigen. This study found that the highest rate of abortion occurred among women aged 26-35 years, at 22.9% (30/131). Most pregnancies ended in abortion during the first trimester. The consumption of undercooked meat was most significantly affecting the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies (P value = 0.008). In comparison, the factor influencing anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies was the level of education, with a P value of 0.031. This research revealed a high rate of toxoplasmosis among women who experienced pregnancy loss. It is advisable to raise awareness about risk factors and to test pregnant women during their gynecological care.

Article Details

SEROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DIAGNOSIS OF TOXOPLASMOSIS AMONG ABORTED WOMEN IN SORAN DISTRICT, KURDISTAN- IRAQ

Authors:

Bushra Hussain Shnawa | Dlpak Hamad

Publisher:

University of Zakho, Iraq

Journal:

Science Journal of University of Zakho Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.299-308

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001935103

pISSN:

2663-6298

Biology

Toxoplasma gondii

Seroprevalence

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Immunohistochemistry

Risk factors

Aborted women

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Bushra Hussain Shnawa | Dlpak Hamad

Publisher: University of Zakho, Iraq

Journal: Science Journal of University of Zakho Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.299-308

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 4/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001935103

pISSN: 2663-6298

Issues

Authors:

Bushra Hussain Shnawa | Dlpak Hamad

Publisher:

University of Zakho, Iraq

Journal:

Science Journal of University of Zakho Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.299-308

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001935103

pISSN:

2663-6298