Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and other causes of infertility have a higher prevalence of GSTT1 deletion.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion associated with the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN: A case-control study was designed to investigate the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms with PCOS. Blood samples from 201 women diagnosed with infertility were taken, of which 69 women were diagnosed with PCOS. Genomic DNA was extracted, and genotyping analyses were conducted by polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: An increased risk of PCOS was found to be associated with GSTT1 null genotype (OR 4.890, 95% CI 2.261 to 9.122; P < 0.001). A strong association between GSTT1 null genotype was found with female infertility, regardless of the associated cause (OR 5.300, 95% CI 3.238 to 8.675; P < 0.001) as well as with the GSTM1 null genotype (OR 1.620, 95% CI 1.067 to 2.459; P = 0.026). A statistically significant association with the development of infertility was also found when carriers of the combined genotype GSTT1+/GSTM1+ was compared with carriers of the combined genotype GSTT1-/ GSTM1+ (OR 3.600 95% CI 1.864 to 6.956; P < 0.001). The two-way combination of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes resulted in an increased susceptibility to infertility development (OR 11.136; 95% CI 5.035 to 24.629; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Carriers of GSTT1 null genotype seem to have higher susceptibility to developing PCOS and infertility from other causes. Also, GSTT1 null genotype, alone or in association, are related with increased susceptibility to infertility development, independently of its cause. GSTM1 null genotype is only associated with all cause of infertility when the GSTT1 is null.

Continuous endometrial volumetric analysis for endometrial receptivity assessment on assisted reproductive technology cycles.

BACKGROUND: Human implantation is a complex process requiring synchrony between a healthy embryo and a functionally competent or receptive endometrium. In order to assess endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles serial evaluation of endometrial volumetric analysis may have a predictive value on a positive outcome. METHODS: Serial 3D transvaginal ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate embryo implantation predictors. Prospective case control study of 169 subjects were assessed. Endometrial pattern, thickness, volume and adjusted endometrial volume (ratio between endometrial volume and uterine volume) was performed to all subjects on a continuous process from baseline, during controlled ovarian stimulation, trigger day with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) and at embryo transfer day. RESULTS: Demographics and ART procedures and scores, was similar between the two groups. Endometrial morphology also showed no difference between the two groups. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume was significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Serial 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes provides a predicting clinical tool enhancing elective embryo transfers in fresh ART cycle. Thus providing a non-invasive continuous technique for endometrial receptivity assessment that reflects endometrial changes during ART procedures.

Zika-virus-infected human full-term placental explants display pro-inflammatory responses and undergo apoptosis.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that has been highly correlated with the development of neurological disorders and other malformations in newborns and stillborn fetuses after congenital infection. This association is supported by the presence of ZIKV in the fetal brain and amniotic fluid, and findings suggest that infection of the placental barrier is a critical step for fetal ZIKV infection in utero. Therefore, relevant models to investigate the interaction between ZIKV and placental tissues are essential for understanding the pathogenesis of Zika syndrome. In this report, we demonstrate that explant tissue from full-term human placentas sustains a productive ZIKV infection, though the results depend on the strain. Viral infection was found to be associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptosis of the infected tissue, and these findings confirm that placental explants are targets of ZIKV replication. We propose that human placental explants are useful as a model for studying ZIKV infection ex vivo.

Long-Term Viruria in Zika Virus-Infected Pregnant Women, Brazil, 2016.

During the 2016 Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, we detected Zika virus RNA in urine samples collected from Zika virus-positive pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy. Women had positive and negative intervals of viruria; 3 newborns had adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between viruria and outcomes for newborns.

Fetal Infection by Zika Virus in the Third Trimester: Report of 2 Cases.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection acquired during pregnancy is associated with congenital microcephaly. We describe 2 cases of ZIKV infection in women in their 36th week of pregnancy whose fetuses had preserved head circumference at birth and findings of subependymal cysts and lenticulostriate vasculopathy in postnatal imaging. These represent the first signs of congenital brain injury acquired due to ZIKV in the third trimester.

CYP19A1 TC/CC Polymorphism, along with Deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes, Strongly Influences Female Infertility Risk.

Oxidative stress has a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of various conditions, like infertility. This case-control study was performed to assess the potential role of CYP19A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 in modifying individual predisposition to female infertility. Genotyping of 201 women with established infertility and 161 fertile female controls was performed, and statistical associations were analyzed. For carriers of GSTM1 null genotype along with CYP19A1 C allele, there is a significant association with female infertility risk (OR 7.023; 95% CI (3.627-13.601; p < 0.001), and, also for carriers of GSTT1 null genotype along with the CYP19A1 TC/CC genotype (OR 24.150; 95% CI (11.148-52.317; p < 0.001). A positive association with female infertility risk for carriers of the C allele in CYP19A1 and null genotypes in GTSM1 (OR 11.979; 95% CI (4.570-31.400; p < 0.001) or GSTT1 (OR 13.169; 95% CI (4.518-38.380; p < 0.001) was found. When both GSTs are deleted, the risk of developing female infertility is significant, independently of the CYP19A1 genotype; when all the presumed high-risk genotypes are present, we found a significant association with female infertility risk (OR 47,914; 95% CI (14,051-163,393; p < 0.001).

Cell-Free DNA as a New Biomarker of IVF Success, Independent of Any Infertility Factor, Including Endometriosis.

Cell-free DNA fragments detected in blood and in other biological fluids are released from apoptotic/necrotic cells. In this study, we analyzed cfDNA levels in follicular fluid (FF) samples from patients with infertility. Samples were collected from 178 infertile women and cfDNA was extracted and quantified by qPCR, using ALU115 and ALU247 primers, and statistical correlations were performed. We found that cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in FF pools from women aged 35 and over than in women under 35 years of age (p = 0.017). We also found that q247 cfDNA levels were significantly higher in women with an associated female factor, such as endometriosis, PCOS and POF, compared with women with no specific cause of infertility (p = 0.033). The concentration of cfDNA did not vary significantly in each group of women with an associated female factor. The concentration of cfDNA was significantly higher in the FF of women that obtained embryos with a high fragmentation rate, compared to embryos with a low fragmentation rate (p = 0.007). Finally, we found that women who did not become pregnant during IVF treatments had higher q247 cfDNA levels (p = 0.043). The quantification of cfDNA could be an important biomarker of follicular micro-environment quality to predict embryo quality and the success of IVF, making them more specific and effective.

The Ala307Thr polymorphism of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene is associated with the dose of recombinant FSH received during IVF/ICSI treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for folliculogenesis, acting through the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) that is present on the membrane of granulosa cells. Polymorphisms in the FSHR gene may lead to an altered pattern of receptor expression on the cell surface or to changes in affinity for FSH. The aim of this prospective study was to detect any association between the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene Ala307Thr polymorphism (rs6165) and ovarian reserve, ovarian response or clinical results in IVF/ICSI treatment. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 450 women who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and the Ala307Thr FSHR polymorphism (rs6165) was genotyped using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Participants were divided into three groups according to their Ala307Thr FSHR genotype: Thr/Thr (n:141), Thr/Ala (n=213) and Ala/Ala (n=96). The results were tested for associations with age, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), total dose of r-FSH, follicle size, number of retrieved oocytes, and clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles. The statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal‒Wallis test. RESULTS: An association between the genotype of the FSHR (Ala307Thr) polymorphism and the dose of r-FSH was observed. Patients with the Ala/Ala genotype received a higher r-FSH dose than patients with the Ala/Thr (p=0.0002) and Thr/Thr (p=0.02) genotypes. No other correlation was observed. CONCLUSION: The Ala/Ala genotype was associated with the use of higher doses of recombinant FSH (r-FSH), suggesting that homozygosis of this allelic variant (Ala) provides lower sensitivity to r-FSH.

Synergic effect of compression therapy and controlled active exercises using a facilitating device in the treatment of arm lymphedema.

TRIAL DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effect of the combination of compression therapy with active exercising using a facilitating apparatus on arm lymphedema. METHOD: Twenty women with a mean age of 63.3 years were evaluated; all had lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment. The inclusion criterion was a difference of 200 mL in size between arms. The apparatus used, called 'pulley system', is a vertical iron wheel fixed on a support at a distance of 10 cm from the patient's body. Participants were submitted to two series of active exercises using this facilitating device, one series using a compression sleeve and the other without. Each series consisted of four 12-minute sessions of exercises separated by 3-minute rest intervals. Volumetry was performed before and after each series of exercises. The paired t-test was utilized for statistical analysis (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant mean reduction (p-value < 0.007) and non-significant mean increase (p-value < 0.2) in volumes were observed during exercising with and without compression, respectively. CONCLUSION: Controlled active exercising utilizing a facilitating apparatus while wearing a compression sleeve reduces the size of lymphedematous arms.

Follicular Fluid: A Powerful Tool for the Understanding and Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents one of the leading causes of anovulatory infertility and affects 5% to 20% of women worldwide. Until today, both the subsequent etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS remain unclear, and patients with PCOS that undergo assisted reproductive techniques (ART) might present a poor to exaggerated response, low oocyte quality, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, as well as changes in the follicular fluid metabolites pattern. These abnormalities originate a decrease of Metaphase II (MII) oocytes and decreased rates for fertilization, cleavage, implantation, blastocyst conversion, poor egg to follicle ratio, and increased miscarriages. Focus on obtaining high-quality embryos has been taken into more consideration over the years. Nowadays, the use of metabolomic analysis in the quantification of proteins and peptides in biological matrices might predict, with more accuracy, the success in assisted reproductive technology. In this article, we review the use of human follicular fluid as the matrix in metabolomic analysis for diagnostic and ART predictor of success for PCOS patients.

Evaluation of Protocols of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Obtaining Mature Oocytes (MII): Retrospective Study on Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To understand which of the controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols used in different patients are associated with greater amounts of oocytes retrieved. METHODS: The study population was divided into three groups, considering AMH and AFC to obtain the Ovarian Response Predictor Index (ORPI); they were grouped into: G1-Low Reserve (ORPI <0.5); G2-Normal Reserve (ORPI:0.5-0.9); and G3-High Reserve (ORPI≥0.9). 246 cycles were selected in which COS was used: recombinant FSH - follitropin alfa or beta (Protocol 1) or corifollitropin alfa (Protocol 2), both associated with urinary HMG and the GnRH antagonist, with the trigger performed using recombinant hCG or GnRH agonist. RESULTS: The number of oocytes obtained was higher in protocol 1 in all groups, with higher counts seen in G1 than in G2 or G3. The number of days required in COS for protocol 2 was greater than for protocol 1 in all groups. The total dose of recombinant FSH alfa or beta / urinary HMG used in protocol 1 was inversely proportional to the ovarian reserve. The lower the ORPI, the greater the average number of international units administered. In protocol 2, there was a need to supplement with higher doses of urinary HMG when compared to protocol 1. The dosage of the GnRH antagonist was dependent on the number of COS days until the trigger was used. In obtaining MII oocytes, the percentages were similar regardless of the trigger used. CONCLUSIONS: The use of follitropin leads to greater numbers of retrieved oocytes than corifollitropin alfa in all ORPIs. The dose of recombinant FSH used with urinary HMG increases inversely proportional to the ORPI value. The fixed dose of recombinant FSH deposit requires a sharp increase in the dose of urinary HMG.

Volatilomics as an Emerging Strategy to Determine Potential Biomarkers of Female Infertility: A Pilot Study.

Due to its high prevalence, infertility has become a prominent public health issue, posing a significant challenge to modern reproductive medicine. Some clinical conditions that lead to female infertility include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premature ovarian failure (POF). Follicular fluid (FF) is the biological matrix that has the most contact with the oocyte and can, therefore, be used as a predictor of its quality. Volatilomics has emerged as a non-invasive, straightforward, affordable, and simple method for characterizing various diseases and determining the effectiveness of their current therapies. In order to find potential biomarkers of infertility, this study set out to determine the volatomic pattern of the follicular fluid from patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and POF. The chromatographic data integration was performed through solid-phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings pointed to specific metabolite patterns as potential biomarkers for the studied diseases. These open the door for further research into the relevant metabolomic pathways to enhance infertility knowledge and diagnostic tools. An extended investigation may, however, produce a new mechanistic understanding of the pathophysiology of the diseases.

The involvement of annexin A1 in human placental response to maternal Zika virus infection.

The association of Zika virus infection (ZIKV) with congenital malformation and neurological sequelae brought a significant global concern. Recent studies have shown that maternal viral infection leads to inflammation in the placental tissue. In this context, the antiinflammatory protein annexin 1 (ANXA1) has a major determination of the resolution of inflammation and it has been positively associated with antiparasitic activity in infected placental explants. Although these effects have been explored to some degree, ANXA1 expression and potential properties have not yet been fully elucidated in placentas infected with ZIKV. This study was conducted to evaluate the histopathology, inflammatory process and elucidate if ANXA1 were differently expressed in placentas of ZIKV-infected mothers. Three classification groups were used in this study: Neg/Neg (mother and placenta negative for the virus), Pos/Neg (infected mother, but no virus detected in placenta) and Pos/Pos (mother and placenta infected with ZIKV). ANXA1 was expressed in syncytiotrophoblast cells of all studied groups, and its expression was decreased in Pos/Neg group, which displayed also an increase of the inflammatory response, as evinced from the recruitment of inflammatory cells, increased levels of placenta cytokines, and evidence of impaired tissue repair. The presence of ZIKV in placentas of Pos/Pos group shows structural alterations, including detachment and disorganization of the trophoblastic epithelium. In summary, our results suggest that maternal infection with ZIKV, even without direct tissue infection, leads to a placental inflammatory response probably related to the modulation of ANXA1. After placental infection, structural changes - including inflammatory cells influx - are observed leading to placental dysfunction and reduced fetal weight. Our study sheds additional light on the outcomes of ZIKV infection in trophoblast and reveals a potential involvement of ANXA1 in the placental biology.

FUT3 and FUT2 genotyping and glycoconjugate profile Lewisb as a protective factor to Toxoplasma gondii infection.

The interaction between the ABO, FUT2 and FUT3 genes results in the synthesis of different glycoconjugates profiles expressed in gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, utilizes this organ as an infection route. We analyzed the frequencies of the different glycoconjugate profiles which were determined by phenotyping ABO and genotyping the status secretor (FUT2; substitution G428A) and Lewis (FUT3; substitution T202C and C314T) histo-blood systems, assessed by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSP, respectively. A total of 244 pregnant women (G1: Seropositive; G2: Seronegative) for IgG T. gondii antibodies were enrolled. IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were determined by ELISA. G1 was composed of 158 (64.8%) sample and G2 by 86 (36.2%). The glycoconjugate profile was accessed in 151 seropositive and 85 seronegative samples by the combination of ABO and Lewis phenotyping as well as FUT2 and FUT3 genotyping. In G1, 36 (22.8%) presented the glycoconjugate profile ALeb, 5 (3.3%) A, 13 (8.6) BLeb, 1 (0.6%) B, 41 (27.1%) Leb, 13(8.6%) H, 38(25.2%) Lea and 4 (2.6%) Lec. G2 was composed of 13 (15.3%) of ALeb, 15 (17.6%) BLeb, 1 (1.2%) B, 42 (49,4%) Leb and 14 (16.5) Lea. H and Lec glycoconjugate profiles were not found in G2. The frequencies of the glycoconjugates profiles Leb (p = 0.001) and H (p = 0.005) were significantly different compared between G1 and G2. The glycoconjugate profile H inferred from the ABO phenotyping and FUT3 and FUT2 genotyping is associated with infection by T. gondii in pregnant women and the Leb profile appears to protect the infection by this parasite.

Novel multidisciplinary approach to monitor and treat fetuses with gastroschisis using the Svetliza Reducibility Index and the EXIT-like procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our initial experience with a novel approach to follow-up and treat gastroschisis in "zero minute" using the EXITlike procedure. METHODS: Eleven fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis were evaluated. The Svetliza Reductibility Index was used to prospectively evaluate five cases, and six cases were used as historical controls. The Svetliza Reductibility Index consisted in dividing the real abdominal wall defect diameter by the larger intestinal loop to be fitted in such space. The EXIT-like procedure consists in planned cesarean section, fetal analgesia and return of the herniated viscera to the abdominal cavity before the baby can fill the intestines with air. No general anesthesia or uterine relaxation is needed. Exteriorized viscera reduction is performed while umbilical cord circulation is maintained. RESULTS: Four of the five cases were performed with the EXIT-like procedure. Successful complete closure was achieved in three infants. The other cases were planned deliveries at term and treated by construction of a Silo. The average time to return the viscera in EXIT-like Group was 5.0 minutes, and, in all cases, oximetry was maintained within normal ranges. In the perinatal period, there were significant statistical differences in ventilation days required (p = 0.0169), duration of parenteral nutrition (p=0.0104) and duration of enteral feed (p=0.0294). CONCLUSION: The Svetliza Reductibility Index and EXIT-like procedure could be new options to follow and treat gastroschisis, with significantly improved neonatal outcome in our unit. Further randomized studies are needed to evaluate this novel approach.

Value of the Ultrasound in the Study of Ovarian Reserve for Prediction of Oocyte Recovery.

Purpose To identify which methods used in the assessment of the ovarian reserve are exclusive or complementary to identify the best response to follicle development. Methods Retrospective cohort study, involving patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment at the Instituto de Medicina Reprodutiva e Fetal, from April 2009 to July 2014. Age, biochemical tests, and ultrasound were assessed. The data were analyzed to predict the follicular development and the relation between them, using, for statistical analysis, Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results Out of the 293 couples included, 50.2% presented infertility by ovarian factor. Considering the age as the main variable, a significant negative correlation with the volume of both ovaries was observed (right ovary, r = 0.21; left ovary, r = -0.22; both p < 0.0001), and with the antral follicle count (right ovary, r = -0.38; left ovary, r = -0.47; both p < 0.0001). Considering the antral follicle count as the main variable, a significant positive correlation with the total recruited oocytes was observed. When we correlated the antral follicle count with the recruited follicles larger than 18 mm, we observed that, with a cutoff of 12 antral follicles, there is a positive predictive value of 99%, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.76. Conclusion We concluded from our study that age and antral follicle count are effective predictors of ovarian response in cycles of assisted reproduction. The ovarian volume, as well as the anti-Müllerian hormone dosage, seem to be adequate markers of the ovarian reserve.

Intrauterine thrombosis of umbilical artery - case report.

CONTEXT: Umbilical cord thrombosis is related to greater fetal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is usually associated with umbilical cord abnormalities that lead to mechanical compression with consequent vascular ectasia. Its correct diagnosis and clinical management remains a challenge that has not yet been resolved. CASE REPORT: This study reports a case of umbilical artery thrombosis that occurred in the second half of a pregnancy. The umbilical cord was long, thin and overly twisted and the fetus presented severe intrauterine growth restriction. The clinical and histopathological findings from this case are described. CONCLUSIONS: This case report emphasizes the difficulty in diagnosing and clinically managing abnormalities of intrauterine life with a high chance of perinatal complications.

Teleultrasound: historical perspective and clinical application.

The health care of patients in rural or isolated areas is challenged by the scarcity of local resources, limited patient access to doctors and hospitals, and the lack of specialized professionals. This has led to a new concept in telemedicine: teleultrasonography (or teleultrasound), which permits ultrasonographic diagnoses to be performed remotely. Telemedicine and teleultrasonography are effective in providing diagnostic imaging services to these populations and reduce health care costs by decreasing the number and duration of hospitalizations and reducing unnecessary surgical procedures. This is a narrative review to present the potential clinical applications of teleultrasonography in clinical practice. The results indicate that although barriers persist for implementing teleultrasonography in a more universal and routine way, advances in telecommunications, Internet bandwidth, and the high resolution currently available for portable ultrasonography suggest teleultrasonography applications will continue to expand. Teleultrasound appears to be a valuable addition to remote medical care for isolated populations with limited access to tertiary healthcare facilities and also a useful tool for education and training.

Trans-Pacific tele-ultrasound image transmission of fetal central nervous system structures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of images and video clips of fetal central nervous (CNS) structures obtained by ultrasound and transmitted via tele-ultrasound from Brazil to Australia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 15 normal singleton pregnant women between 20 and 26 weeks were selected. Fetal CNS structures were obtained by images and video clips. The exams were transmitted in real-time using a broadband internet and an inexpensive video streaming device. Four blinded examiners evaluated the quality of the exams using the Likert scale. We calculated the mean, standard deviation, mean difference, and p values were obtained from paired t tests. RESULTS: The quality of the original video clips was slightly better than that observed by the transmitted video clips; mean difference considering all observers = 0.23 points. In 47/60 comparisons (78.3%; 95% CI = 66.4-86.9%) the quality of the video clips were judged to be the same. In 182/240 still images (75.8%; 95% CI = 70.0-80.8%) the scores of transmitted image were considered the same as the original. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that long distance tele-ultrasound transmission of fetal CNS structures using an inexpensive video streaming device provided images of subjective good quality.

Prematurity and Low Birth Weight did not Correlate with Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Maternal Serum Profiles--a Brazilian Report.

Gestational Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered a major risk factor for miscarriage, prematurity and low birth weight in animals. However, studies focusing on this topic in humans are scarce. The objective of this study is to determine whether anti-Toxoplasma gondii maternal serum profiles correlate prematurity and low birth weight in humans. The study examined 213 pregnant women seen at the High-Risk Pregnancy Hospital de Base, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. All serological profiles (IgM-/IgG+; IgM-/IgG-; IgM+/IgG+) were determined by ELISA commercial kits. Maternal age, gestational age and weight of the newborn at birth were collected and recorded in the Statement of Live Birth. Prematurity was defined as gestational age <37 weeks and low birth weight ≤ 2499 grams. The t-test was used to compare values (p < 0.05). The mean maternal age was 27.6±6.6 years. Overall, 56.3% (120/213) of the women studied were IgM-/IgG+, 36.2% (77/213) were IgM-/IgG- and 7.5% (16/213) were IgM+/IgG+. The average age of the women with serological profile IgM+/IgG+ (22.3±3.9 years) was different from women with the profile IgM-/IgG+ (27.9±6.7 years, p = 0.0011) and IgM-/IgG- (27.9±6.4 years, p = 0.0012). There was no statistically significant difference between the different serological profiles in relation to prematurity (p = 0.6742) and low birth weight (p = 0.7186). The results showed that prematurity and low birth weight did not correlate with anti-Toxoplasma gondii maternal serum profiles.