INCREASING TOXOPLASMA SEROPOSITIVITY IN WOMEN WITH BAD OBSTETRIC HISTORY AND IN NEWBORNS

Background. Most infants with congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection h ave no symptoms at birth but few may develop retinal diseases or neuro logical abnormalities later in life, The presence of significant titre s of antitoxoplasma antibodies in women in the reproductive age group indirectly indicates that Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of such conge nital abnormalities and also sporadic abortions in some women. Methods . We did a retrospective analysis of antitoxoplasma antibodies detecte d by indirect haemagglutination assay, in women with bad obstetrical h istory and in newborns clinically suspected of congenital toxoplasmosi s during 1981-91.Results. A significant increase in seropositivity in women and newborns was seen during 1989-91 as compared to 1981-88. Mor e seropositive patients were recorded between April-June and October-D ecember. However, no significant correlation could be observed between rising incidence of seropositivity and the seasonal distribution or a ge of women. Conclusion. Epidemiological studies are required to ascer tain the reason for the increasing trend of toxoplasma seropositivity and to suggest appropriate control strategies as it is possible to pre vent congenital infection.