Abstract
Objectives: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects one third of world population. Toxoplasmosis is an important especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, the pregnant women infection would be life threatening or remain severe disorders for the fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the parasite antibodies in pregnant women attending maternity and Pediatric Hospital in Erbil city. Methods: Serum samples were collected from pregnant women then anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were estimated by commercially ELISA kits and the relation of infection with socio- demographic factors such as age, residency, educational levels and gestational age were studied. Results: Two hundred sixty-three serum samples were tested, 92/263 (34.8%) of them had IgG antibodies and 34/263 (12.93%) were positive for IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. The seropositivity was more prevalent among (21-30years) age group for both IgG and IgM; 55/118(46.61%), 20/63(16.44%) respectively. A significant correlation was observed between infections with residency. Education and gestational age were not significantly associated with the infection among pregnant women. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is comparatively high in pregnant women in Erbil city. Thus, the serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies is necessary to reduce the risk of congenital transmission.