Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, varicella zoster virus and human parvovirus B19 among women in the Biała Podlaska District of Eastern Poland.

Background: Infections in pregnant women or women planning pregnancy caused by the protozoan Toxoplasmagondii and the viruses varicella zoster virus (VZV) and human parvovirus B19 can be a danger to the fetus.Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the serological status of women of childbearing agein relation to T. gondii, VZV and human parvovirus B19 in a region of Eastern Poland (Biała Podlaska District).Material and methods: The study group consisted of 174 women aged 19 to 35 (average 23, SD 3.68) from theBiała Podlaska District. Anti-T. gondii IgM/IgG antibodies, anti-VZV IgG and anti-human parvovirus B19 IgGwere detected by ELISA.Results: Serological screening revealed that the most common antibodies were anti-VZV and anti-parvovirusB19 (in 96% and 60.9% of women, respectively). Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 28.6%. No correlationwas found between the presence of anti-T. gondii, human parvovirus B19, and VZV antibodies and the age of theexamined women, their place of residence, and their education.Conclusions: About 4%, 39% and 71.2% of women participating in this study were still susceptible to infectionwith VZV, human parvovirus B19, and T. gondii, respectively. It is therefore important to address health educationprimarily in women of childbearing age in order to help them undertake relevant measures for preventionof T. gondii, human parvovirus B19 and VZV infection.