Prenatal toxoplasmosis diagnosis from amniotic fluid by PCR

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Vidigal, Paula Vieira Teixeira, Santos, Daniel Vítor Vasconcelos, Castro, Flávia Cipriano, Couto, Júlio César de Faria, Vitor, Ricardo Wagner de Almeida, Brasileiro Filho, Geraldo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 2002; Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT; Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Adult; Amniotic Fluid; Congenital toxoplasmosis; Female; Fetal Diseases - diagnosis; Fetal Diseases - parasitology; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; PCR; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Toxoplasmosis - diagnosis; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Congenital toxoplasmosis; Líquido amniótico; Amniotic fluid; PCR; Toxoplasmose congênita
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 0037-8682; 1678-9849
• DOI: 10.1590/S0037-86822002000100001

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections all over the world. Most cases are asymptomatic, except in immunosuppressed individuals and fetuses, which can be seriously damaged. Prenatal diagnosis should be made as soon as possible since treatment of the mother can minimize fetal sequelae. Our aim in this study was to test the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) in 86 samples of amniotic fluid from women who seroconverted during pregnancy. DNA was amplified using external primers and, in a second step, internal primers, in a nested PCR system. Samples were also inoculated into mice and the newborn were evaluated by T. gondii serology, skull x-ray, transfontanel ultrasound, fundoscopic examination, lumbar puncture and clinical examination. PCR was positive in seven cases and negative in 79. Among PCR-positive cases, two were negative by inoculation into mice and by clinical evaluation; among PCR-negative ones, three had clinical evidence of toxoplasmosis and one was positive after inoculation into mice. PCR showed values of sensitivity = 62.5% and specificity = 97.4%; the values of inoculation into mice where 42.9% and 100%, respectively. Although PCR should not be used alone for prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, it is a promising method and deserves more studies to improve its efficacy.