Pilot project for neonatal screening of toxoplasmosis in two public hospitals of Guatemala
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54495/Rev.Cientifica.v25i1.94Keywords:
congenital toxoplasmosis, risk factors, screening, IgM anti-T. gondii antibodiesAbstract
The aim of this study was to perform the neonatal screening for congenital toxoplasmosis through the determination of IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies in newborns who were born in two public hospitals of the departments Guatemala and Sacatepéquez. The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for the analysis of samples. We also collected data on the risk factors associated with the infection, using an epidemiological form with previous consent.
A total of 499 newborns were screened and one case was found positive for IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, which equals to a frequency of 0.2% in the population studied. This positive case was a girl who was born at 35 weeks of gestation and weighed 5 pounds. Although she did not show any sign of infection, she was remitted to a physician
for treatment and medical control. Her mother stated that she had no prenatal care during her pregnancy; also, she has a cat as a pet and previously had a spontaneous abortion.
Due to the presence of one single case of congenital toxoplasmosis, we were unable to obtain any inference regarding the risk factors. However, the presence of a cat in the family environment of the positive case could have a link with the detection of the antibodies.
Screening for the infection in pregnant women was implemented in both hospitals and the medical staff was trained to perform this technique. It is important to continue with the neonatal screening to eliminate the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis among the population who seek medical attention in these hospitals.
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Copyright (c) 2015 M. Aresti, E. Guerra, K. Lange, V. Matta, J. Pensamiento
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