Assessment of Serum Interleukin-17A, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, and Lactoferrin levels Among Women Infected with Toxoplasmosis

Abstract Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite. It is considered one of the major causes of miscarriage and inhibits fetal development, in early pregnancy. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate interleukin-17A IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and LTF levels in Toxoplasmosis-infected pregnant women who miscarried. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted from July 2022 to February 2023. A total of 91 serum samples were collected from pregnant women who had experienced abortion and who attended medical attention in public hospitals and private medical clinics in the governorates of Salah al-Din and Kirkuk. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to evaluate IL-17A, TNF-α, and LTF levels in Toxoplasmosis-infected pregnant women. Results: The IgG ELISA test revealed 77 positive samples (84.61%) and 14 negative samples (15.3%), whereas IgM ELISA test showed 84 positive samples (92.3%) and 7 negative samples (7.6%). IL-17A levels were significantly higher in patients, with an average concentration of 330.8 ± 17.4 pg/mL, compared to the control group, whose average concentration was 249 ± 73.3 pg/mL. Similarly, TNF-a levels in patients were signified higher compared to the control group, with a mean of 166.4 ± 13.1 pg/mL,100.5 ± 13.2 pg/mL, respectively. LTF levels were significantly higher in patients, with an average concentration of 50.8 3.2 pg/mL, compared to the control group, whose average concentration was 29.6 12.4 pg/mL. Conclusions: The study shows elevated levels of IL-17A, TNF-a, and Lactoferrin in patients.