Some Serologic Markers of Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus and Rubella Virus in Pregnant Women in Saint Petersburg

BACKGROUND: Currently, research investigating specific immunity to various TORCH pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus) in pregnant women remains relevant. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the detection rates of the main serologic markers of TORCH in pregnant women in Saint Petersburg, Russia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the screening of pregnant women (n = 6605) was performed for the presence and levels of specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii, anti-rubella, and anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulins M and G in the blood. RESULTS: The rubella seroprevalence rate was 98.2% (n = 4428), with the highest number of seronegative women in the age group of 31 to 35 years. In 8.4% of cases, the serum level of anti-rubella immunoglobulin G was below the protective level. Anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G was found in 1632 (81.9%) pregnant women, with a significant age-related increase in the number of seropositive women (p 0.001). Specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G was found in 28% (n = 1375) of pregnant women. The percentage of seropositive women also increased with age (p 0.001), with the highest level reported in women aged 40 years (40.74%). CONCLUSION: The high level of rubella seroprevalence in pregnant women suggests that testing for anti-rubella antibodies should be performed only in the second trimester. Anti-cytomegalovirus screening is recommended for pregnant women with known risk factors for congenital cytomegalovirus infection. It is recommended to continue anti-Toxoplasma gondii screening because of the high percentage of Toxoplasma gondii seronegative pregnant women in Russia.