Prevalence of toxoplasma gondii specific igg and igm antibodies among young women of reproductive age group - a study conducted in kerala, India

The study was aimed to detect the prevalence of Toxoplasma specific antibodies in young women at their reproductive age. This will help to identify and screen the risk groups, thereby reducing the chances of vertical transmission and to prevent congenital deformities. A total of 198 serum samples were collected from young women attending the gynaecology clinics. Blood samples collected were tested for Anti- Toxoplasma specific IgG and IgM antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Out of the 198 serum samples tested Toxoplasma specific antibodies were positive for 9 (4.54%) among these 7 were showing only IgG antibodies and 2 come positive for both IgG and IgM. The highest numbers of positive were noted in the age group of 30 to 39 years (58.6%). The data obtained from this study showed a moderate prevalence of Toxoplasmosis among women of child bearing age. An overall anti Toxoplasma antibodies 4.54% was recorded. The study reveals that Toxoplasmosis is endemic in Kerala and the details collected from the study participants also reveals that there is an extremely high levels (85%)of ignorance about the disease.