SEROPREVALENCE OF ANTI-TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN SAMPLES OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE PRENATAL CARE

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serological profile for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women of the Northwest region of São Paulo. Material and Methods: This was an exploratory descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative approaches, carried out between April and August 2013. We analyzed 186 medical records of pregnant women, which were collected using a standardized questionnaire by the study team. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33 years (SD ± 4.33). The prenatal care was initiated in the first quarter by 87.63% of pregnant women and 93% were primigravidae. The laboratory technique used in the serology for toxoplasmosis was the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii was identified in 25.27% of pregnant women, 73.65% had negative serology and 1.08% had positive serology for IgM antibodies. Of the seropositive women, 47 were positive only for IgG antibodies. One pregnant woman was seropositive for IgM (1.04) and IgG (700.0 IU/ml). The elevated IgG avidity of 89% indicates infection for more than three months. Conclusion: The seronegative results described in most of the medical records alert about the importance of awareness of these women to the risks of contact with the protozoan during pregnancy. These findings reinforce the need for diagnostic tests for toxoplasmosis. However, seropositive results do not guarantee full protection during pregnancy due to the variability of strains and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii. DESCRIPTORS Pregnant women. Prenatal Care. Serology. Toxoplasmosis.