Antibodies against Toxoplasmagondii in Pregnant Women of the České Budějovice District

Overview

In 1984–1986 in the district of České Budějovice in the southern part of the Czech Republic pregnantwomen were subjected to serological examinations for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. A totalof 3 392 women were examined within the age bracket 16–54 years. For the serological examinationparallel examinations were made using Sabin-Feldman test (SFT) and the complement fixation test(CFT). In SFT the basic serum dilution was 1:4, in CFT 1:10. Pregnant women were examined onceor repeatedly. During the first examination which was usually made between the second and thirdmonth of pregnancy the total (SFT and CFT) prevalence was 37%. In the SFR antibodies weredetected in 35%, in CFT in 25%. The second blood sample was taken during the 4 th –5 th month ofpregnancy and subsequent samples during the 8 th –9 th month of pregnancy. In women who wereexamined twice or repeatedly (a total of 1 409 women), the dynamics of prevalence of antibodieswere recorded. 64% women were permanently negative, 33% women were permanently positive withthe same or a slightly varying titre and in 3% women during pregnancy, seroconversion wasobserved or a significant rise of antibodies. In 20 women where seroconversion or a significant riseof antibodies was found data were collected to find out whether in their children from birth to theage of 12–13 years toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. The toxoplasmosis was not diagnosed in thesechildren.

Key words:
Czech Republic – pregnant women – serological examination – toxoplasmosis.