Comparison of B1 and RE 529 gene targets by real time PCR and LAMP assay for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant females.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to accurately diagnose the presence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. In this study we evaluated two gene targets B1 and RE-529 using two different molecular methods i.e., real-time PCR and LAMP.

PROCEDURE: A total of 150 blood samples were collected from pregnant women attending the PGIMER outpatient clinic. The serum and Buffy layer were extracted and various serological (ELISA) and molecular tests (qPCR and LAMP) targeting B1 and RE-529 were carried out.

FINDING: Out of 150 patients, 32 were seropositive. Amongst which for the RE-529 gene, 18 were LAMP positive and 16 were qPCR positive, while for the B1 gene, 14 were LAMP positive and 13 were qPCR positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular methods were more sensitive than serological tests to diagnose congenital toxoplasmosis in antenatal females. Few seronegative patients were reported positive using molecular methods. In addition, LAMP targeting the RE-529 gene is more sensitive than qPCR, and LAMP targets the B1 gene.