Molecular detection of toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and evaluation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in this parasite infection

Toxoplasma gondii infection is important for pregnant women due to the risk of congenital transmission to the fetus. If a pregnant woman acquires the infection for the first time during pregnancy, there is the potential for serious complications, including neurological damage and visual impairment to the developing fetus. Early diagnosis and management are important to reduce these risks and protect the health of both the mother and the unborn child. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of the B1 gene, which is used to detect T. gondii, in pregnant women and to compare it with pregnant women with a negative B1 gene. Additionally, another goal of the study was to examine and compare how interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels change in pregnant women in the B1 gene positive and negative group. Peripheral blood samples of pregnant women (n=200) were provided and DNA was extracted from these samples. The participants' ages ranged from 20 to 40 years old. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) tests targeting the T. gondii B1 gene were used to detect the presence of the parasite. Participants were divided into two groups: positive PCR and negative PCR groups. At the same time, serum samples were analyzed using immunoassays for IFN-γ and SOD levels. The results obtained in this study showed that 76 women tested positive for T. gondii with a rate of 38%, while 124 samples gave negative results with a rate of 62%. The level of IFN-γ was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women in the T. gondii nPCR positive group (377.37 pg/ml) than in those in the nPCR negative group (79.39 pg/mL). Additionally, a significant difference in the mean SOD level was found between the two groups. There was a significant increase in the SOD level (P value at 0.05 level) recorded as 4.49 U/mL in T. gondii positive pregnant women, whereas the value was 1.62 U/mL in T. gondii negative pregnant women. This study showed that the PCR positive group had higher levels of SOD and IFN-γ, whereas the PCR negative group had lower levels of SOD and IFN-γ. As a result of this study, the B1 gene was detected in all pregnant women infected with T. gondii. These findings may contribute to the development of targeted interventions for pregnant women at risk of T. gondii infection.