Comparison of ELISA Diagnostic Methods (IgG, IgM) and Real Time PCR in Identifying Toxoplasma in Women with Abortion

Ayad Sakran Naeemah Alhubaish; Haniyeh Bashi Zadeh Fakhar; Sara Taheri  Neyestanaki; Parnian Sadat Shahidi

doi:10.18502/jmb.v13i4.20521

Ayad Sakran Naeemah Alhubaish Science and Research Branch, Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Haniyeh Bashi Zadeh Fakhar Department of Human Genetics, Science and Research Branch, Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Sara Taheri Neyestanaki Department of Cell and Molecular, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Parnian Sadat Shahidi Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmb.v13i4.20521

Keywords: ELISA, IgG, IgM, Real time PCR, Toxoplasma

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis as a frequent parasitic infection is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted through contaminated food or water. Maternal infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications including miscarriage and congenital defects, requiring accurate diagnosis for proper management.

Methods: This study analyzed 120 women with spontaneous abortion (ages 18-45, gestational age 6-20 weeks) who were referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran from February 2021 to February 2022. Blood samples were collected and assessed using ELISA for IgG/IgM antibodies and real-time PCR for T. gondii B1 gene detection, with statistical analysis performed using Stata software to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and associations.

Results: This study investigated Toxoplasma gondii infection in 120 females with abortion, revealing a 1.67% prevalence rate. Diagnostic performance analysis showed that both IgG and IgM antibodies demonstrated excellent sensitivity (100%) when compared to PCR as the gold standard, with IgG showing 83.90% specificity and IgM achieving 100% specificity. Clinical symptoms were significantly higher in infected women, and age-stratified analysis revealed 0% prevalence in women under 30 years versus 2.99% in older women.

Conclusion: This study revealed a low prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection (1.67%) among females with abortion, with higher rates in women over 30 years (2.99%). Clinical symptoms were significantly more common in infected women, and both IgG and IgM serology demonstrated excellent sensitivity (100%) compared to PCR, highlighting their reliability for initial screening despite low positive predictive values.