Serological detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in infertile women in the north of Iran

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is a common parasitic disease worldwide and has been suggested as a potential factor affecting female fertility. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M(IgM) antibodies among infertile women attending an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Mazandaran province in northern Iran and to investigate associations with demographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 130 infertile women referred to the IVF department at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, from 2019 to 2020. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to compute adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), aiming to identify potential factors linked to T. gondii IgG and IgM seropositivity. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 52.3% (68/130) of participants, indicating past exposure, while IgM antibodies were found in 10% (13/130). No significant associations were observed between T. gondii seropositivity and variables such as age, residence, type of infertility, history of abortion, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroma, or previous surgeries (P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a high seroprevalence of chronic T. gondii infection among infertile women infertile women at an IVF clinic in Mazandaran province, while only 10% showed IgM antibodies. No significant links were found between T. gondii seropositivity and various demographic or clinical factors, suggesting that the impact of T. gondii on female infertility may be less significant than previously thought. These findings suggest that while exposure to T. gondii is common in this population, it may not be a direct contributor to infertility in this context. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to clarify potential implications.