Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma, Rubella and CMV infections in Antenatal Women in a Tertiary care hospital in North India

Congenital infections with toxoplasma, rubella and cytomegalovirus are a significant cause of neonatal mortality and infant morbidity in the form of multiple abortions, intrauterine fetal deaths, still births, and congenital malformations, especially when they are acquired during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis of these asymptomatic pregnant females is difficult in early stages, thus making serology play a key role. The detection of the IgM antibody against toxoplasma, rubella and CMV is the best approach for the identification of these infections so that early treatment can be offered. The aim of the present article was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii, rubella and CMV infections through antenatal screening among the pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 2753 serum samples from pregnant women in their first trimester were tested for anti- toxoplasma, anti- rubella and anti- CMV IgM antibodies by an ELISA method as per manufacturer’s instructions. A total of 49 cases (1.8%) were found to be seropositive for Toxoplasma, 31(1.1%) were positive for Rubella and 12 (0.4%) were positive for CMV. The seroreactivity was maximum in people belonging to the age group of 18-25 years followed by the ones belonging to the age group of 26-35 years. This study emphasizes the need for seroprevalent studies to know the epidemiology of Toxoplasma, rubella and CMV infection amongst pregnant women which helps in the development of strategies and the immediate treatment of such cases for the prevention of congenital infections. Hence all antenatal cases should be routinely screened for these infections to avoid adverse fetal outcome. This study also emphasizes the need for immunization in childhood against MMR or in adolescence against Rubella infection.