Major Serological Screening Methodologies to Anti- T. Gondii Antibodies Detection in Pregnancy: Mini Literature View

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a neglected protozoonotic disease of intercontinental distribution with incidence estimated in 1.5 cases per 1000 live births. This infection can be acquired intrauterine when the first infection of pregnant woman occurs and the Toxoplasma gondii reaches the fetus by transplacental via. The damage to the fetus can compromise the pregnancy and life quality of the infected individual. Early diagnosis of infection allows emergency therapeutic intervention with reduction of the transmission rate and also the severity of the sequelae. Different methodologies are available for the diagnosis of acute gestational toxoplasmosis with detection of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies. The methodologies differ mainly by specificity and sensitivity values reached, as well as execution facility and time required. These parameters can decisively influence the choice of the most appropriate technique by the municipal health polices, in public health strategies. The main of the present review is to synthesize the major characteristics of serological tests for congenital toxoplasmosis.