Evaluation of antinuclear antibodies in pregnant women with abortion with toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis in Iran

Objective: Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara spp, and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) have been reported as a cause of abortion. To determine the prevalence rate of T. gondii, Toxocara spp, and ANAs in aborted women, and to investigate the association between infection and the number of the sociodemographic estimated risk factors. Methods: This study was carried out in aborted women referred to the Qaem hospital in Mashhad city (Razavi Khorasan Province). Serum samples were examined for the presence of Antinuclear Antibody (IgG antibodies), anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, and IgG anti-toxocariasis spp antibodies by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit. Data like contact with animals’ cats and dogs, age, and Type of cause of abortion (in most cases) were collected as risk factors for the prevalence of infection. Results: Out of 162 total samples of pregnant women were collected, 28% were positive for T. gondii IgG, and 2% IgM, anti-Toxocara spp IgG antibodies were detected in 12% and Antinuclear antibodies detected in 31% in pregnant women with abortion. Co-infection of T. gondii and Toxocara spp detected in 9%, also ANAs detected in cases with T. gondii in 24% and 10% with Toxocara spp. ANAs showed positivity with co-infection of T. gondii and Toxocara spp in 8%. This study showed a significant association between infection of each T. gondii, Toxocara spp, and ANAs with age and animal contact such as cats and dogs. Conclusion: These study findings indicated that there is a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii, Toxocara spp, and ANAs in pregnant women with abortion. The coexistence of two agents or of one with ANAs increases the risk of abortion. All of them showed association with age and contact with domestic animals like cats and dogs.