The Association Between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Spontaneous Abortion in Women in Iraq: A Systematic Literature Review
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The objective of this systematic literature review is to pool the available evidence to assess the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and the occurrence of spontaneous abortion among women in Iraq. A comprehensive search of the academic literature was performed for studies on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in women with spontaneous abortion from different regions of Iraq. Context was provided by including relevant international and regional studies. This review includes observational studies with a preferential selection of studies with clear diagnostic criteria and demographic data. Data on prevalence, risk variables and study characteristics were retrieved and synthesised narratively. The pooled evidence suggests a significant seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among women with spontaneous abortion in several Iraqi governorates such as Sulaimani, Baghdad, Erbil, Basra and Babylon. Some research from these regions confirmed the existence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) and the statistically significant relationship between T. gondii antibodies and pregnancy loss. The stated prevalence rates in Iraqi research are comparable, and in some cases higher, than neighbouring countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Key risk factors found include eating undercooked meat and direct contact with cats. Toxoplasma gondii infection is an important yet unrecognised risk factor for spontaneous abortion in Iraq. The findings strongly support the need for systematic serological screening for toxoplasmosis as part of standard prenatal care regimens throughout the country. Public health initiatives that provide information on preventive measures to women of reproductive age are crucial to minimising the incidence of toxoplasmosis-associated pregnancy loss.
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