The relationship between premature rupture of membrane and toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women

Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy has some clinical complications including spontaneouse abortions, preterm labor, still birth and fetal anomaly. Since premature rupture of membrane (PROM) is the major factor in preterm labor (PTL), this study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between premature rupture of membrane and toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women.
This case-control study was carried out on 150 pregnant women referred to Ahwaz Emam Khomeini hospital for delivery in 2016. 50 pregnant women with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes were selected as case group and 100 pregnant women with preterm labor and healthy membranes (after completing the questionnaire and examination) were selected as control group. Anti Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody was measuresd by ELISA in two groups. Analysis of data was performed by statistical software SPSS (version 21) and Chi-square, logistic regression, independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test.
In women with preterm labor and without rupture of membranes, 51% were positive for Toxoplasma IgG antibody and 3% for Toxoplasma IgM antibody. The above value was 42% in pregnant women with PTL and 4% in pregnant women with PROM. Chi-square test showed no significant difference between rupture of membranes and Toxoplasmosis (P>0.05).
This study showed no relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and PROM. Therefore, the effect of toxoplasmosis in PROM is possibly related to other mechanisms rather than PROM.