Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Herpes Simplex Virus Utilising Real-Time PCR in Pregnant and Aborted Woman

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections may have severe effects especially in pregnancy resulting in a greater risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to research the prevalence of T. gondii and HSV mixed infection in pregnant women and aborted women. The sampled population consisted of 250 patients; 100 pregnant, 100 abortions, and 50 healthy controls. Rapid diagnostic tests of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and real-time PCR of the T. gondii and HSV DNA were conducted. Positive Toxoplasma IgG showed in 23% of pregnant, 21% of abortion and 0% in healthy women. It was found by real-time PCR that 19% of pregnant women and 16% of aborted women were positive of T. gondii, and 7% of pregnant and 17% of abortion women were positive of HSV. The difference was significant in the prevalence of T. gondii and HSV infection in study groups (p < 0.05).