Immune Profile in Aborted Iraqi Women with Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important causes for abortion in women. The immune responses have a role in the outcomeof such infection in gestated women. Aim: The current study was designed to investigate the immune profile in aborted Iraqi women withtoxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five aborted women and 29 healthy control women were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assays were used to estimate serum levels to each of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulatingfactor, IL-8, IL-4 IL-10, IL-12, interferon gamma (INF-ɣ), and IL-6. Single-radial-immunodiffusion assay was used to estimate serum levelsof C3, C4, and total immunoglobulin gamma. Results: Serum levels of IL-8 showed significant elevation, while IL-6 and INF-ɣ showedsignificant dropping in infected women compared to control. Other immune factors showed nonsignificant differences between the two groupsof the present study. Conclusion: Disturbance of immune response associated with toxoplasmosis may explain the success of parasite inescaping from discrimination and elimination by the immune system then supporting its survival and replication.