Background: The study aimed to investigate the association between cytokine profiles and toxoplasmosis in newly married couples, with identifying the immunological markers to minimizing fertility complications through early detection and intervention. Methods: From May 2024 to February 2025, blood samples of 480 newlywed couples in Zakho City, Iraq, were evaluated for Anti-Toxoplasma G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies, as well as serum cytokines like Interleukin 12 (IL-12), Tumer Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin10 (IL-10), and Transforming Growth Factor ß1 (TGFß1), using ELISA. Additionally, C Reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were also estimated. Results: The overall seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were 25.8% (124/480), constituting 18.2% (88/480) for IgG, and 7.5% (36/480) for IgM, with highly significant difference (P< 0.001). Rates were higher in males, with age-related differences observed for both IgG and IgM. While statistically significant differences were reported for IgM alone relates to gender. Regarding cytokines, seropositive individuals showed significantly higher IL-10 and IL-12 levels than controls: IL-10 (IgG: 85.88±9.67 vs 37.88±5.06; IgM: 80.95±13.19 vs 51.72±6.19 pg/mL) and IL-12 (IgG: 22.43±3.05 vs 10.08±1.03; IgM: 29.25±5.46 vs 11.83±1.06 pg/mL). Besides, TNF-α elevated in the IgM group only. Conclusion: Elevated IL-10 and IL-12 levels in seropositive individuals suggest active immune modulation, while TNF-α dynamics point to stage-specific responses, higher in acute (IgM) infections. These immune patterns may influence reproductive health, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and immune monitoring to reduce potential fertility complications, particularly in early marriage.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affects immune response and haematological parameters. The study aimed to evaluate and compare haematological changes and distinct pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles between anti-Toxoplasma seropositive and seronegative in post-abortive women. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to examine serum samples from 224 post-abortive women for anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies. Besides serum cytokines such as Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 10, 12 (IL-10, IL-12), and Transforming Growth Factor ß1 (TGFß1) were evaluated. Also, the blood groups and haematological parameters were examined. The overall anti-Toxoplasma seropositivity was 25% (56/224), including 19.6% for IgG and 5.4% for IgM, with highly (p < 0.001) significant variations. Blood group type significantly affected IgG and IgM seropositivity rates (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) individually. IgG seropositivity displayed significant differences in Granulocyte (GRA) p = 0.003, Haemoglobin (Hb) p = 0.009, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) p = 0.004, and Red Blood Cell (RBC) p = 0.008, whilst IgM seropositivity displayed significant differences of Hb p = 0.019 plus RBC p < 0.001. Besides, IL-12 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in comparison to controls. Toxoplasmosis was significantly associated with haematological changes and elevated IL-12 levels, highlighting the importance of regular immuno-haematological biomarker monitoring and toxoplasmosis screening to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The most crucial public health achievement of humanity is vaccination. Conversely, a significant portion of the population remains hesitant regarding vaccines. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence and the reasons that affect the rate of vaccination against COVID-19, which is caused by virus named SARS-CoV-2, in Duhok City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online from (November to January 2022), about 2015 participants were enrolled. The data were collected through a designated online questionnaire using Google Forms. The study results showed that females were more accessible to the vaccine (50.8%) than males (44.5%). More than half of the participants (n= 1147, 56.9%) were aged between 20–29 years. The majority of participants were from Duhok (n= 799, 39.7%), followed by Zakho (n= 691, 34.3%), and fewer from Bardarash (n= 30, 1.5%). Moreover, the study revealed that the acceptance of the vaccine was more associated with young people, female gender, those with high educational levels, healthcare workers, and residents of Batifa district. To conclude, more than half of enrolled research individuals rejected to have the vaccine for COVID-19, Thus, we recommend integrating health and psychological care into vaccination plans to help increase the uptake rate during potential subsequent pandemics. Also, Psychologists can provide awareness messages, counselling seminars, online mentoring, or telemental health outreach. Furthermore, Governments must progress announcements also raising confidence concerning to health problems through the dispersion of scientific culture and improve educational programs in society.

TOXOPLASMA gondii is an opportunistic intracellular protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis by using its surface proteins that evade the immune system of the host, leading to restricted immune signaling routes. This alteration has various influences on infected individuals, specifically pregnant women, which leads to repeated abortion. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and abortion. Serum samples were collected from 224 aborted women and screened for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G and M (IgG, IgM) followed by quantification of Interleukin 12 (IL-12) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and some inflammatory tests such as C Reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). The total seropositivity was 25%, which involved 19.6% IgG and 5.4% IgM antibodies with a highly significant (P<0.001) difference. Furthermore, significant differences (P<0.002) are only present regarding IgG test with the number of abortions. Besides, the ESR test showed significant differences (P=0.006, P<0.001) with anti Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. While, for the CRP test, highly significant (<0.001) differences were observed for IgG Abs only. Moreover, higher mean concentrations of IL-12 and TNF-α were observed, which were (19.10±2.80, 7.92±0.45 pg/mL) and (99.13±17.62, 62.00±39.54 pg/mL), respectively, among seropositive patients in comparison to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001) for IL-12 only. The study concluded that T. gondii significantly boosted the cellular immune response. In addition, it highlights the importance of routine screening for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies prior to marriage, early immunological screening for pregnant females who are at high risk and raising public awareness about toxoplasmosis and its reproductive consequences through media campaigns and educational programs suggested.

Background and objective: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that can cause a wide spectrum of clinical diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between toxoplasmosis and rheumatoid arthritis among patients, besides, to confirm the role of Toxoplasma gondii in the enhancement and modulation of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented from August 2021 to February 2022, in which blood samples were taken conveniently from a total of 180 patients from both genders and different ages (15-60 years). These patients attended Zakho General Hospital and some private clinics suffering from symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis. All samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulins G and M (IgG, IgM) antibodies, C- reactive proteins (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results: The total seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Abs using ELISA were 13.9% and 3.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the highest rate (16.4%) of IgGAbs was recorded among the male group, while, the highest rate (4.8%) of IgMAbs, was recorded among the female group. Furthermore, the highest rate of IgG, and IgM Abs were recorded among the age group 46-60 in both genders (20%, 5.7% respectively). In addition, the statistical analysis demonstrated the presence of significant relationship between IgG Abs with CRP and RF test results (P = 0.027, 0.039 respectively). Whereas, concerning ESR only seropositive IgM Abs results were statistically significant (P = 0.049). Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis may influence the immune system and act as a contributing factor in the exacerbation of autoimmune illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequent investigations will be essential to delineate the risks of T. gondii within the human population.

Background: The correlation between anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and haematological parameters are poorly understood. Therefore, this investigation explores to determine the seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM Antibodies among females of different status in addition to investigating the effects of toxoplasmosis on some haematological parameters. Methods: A total 125 women were contributed, each blood samples were evaluated for toxoplasmosis and haematological components. Results: The study revealed a total rate of anti-Toxoplasma Abs as 17.6% (22/125), 12.8% (16/125) for IgG Abs and 4.8% (6/125) for IgM Abs. Married, pregnant and female in 3rd trimester showed the highest rates for anti-Toxoplasma IgG Abs. Moreover, the maximum rate of IgG antibodies was recorded among females with A- and B- blood groups at equal rates (n=1, 33.3%) for each of them. As regarding to ELISA IgM, it was only recorded among AB+ and A+. As well, among seropositive IgG cases significant association was observed with the different levels of Haemoglobin (Hb) (P-value =0.052) while, for seropositive IgM cases significant differences was only found among mean number of red blood cells (RBC) (P-value =0.013). Conclusion: T.gondii has vital influence on health, thus, screening pregnant females especially at early stages of pregnancy is recommended. Besides, focusing on performing CBCs, biochemical and hormonal tests for pregnant females, also, further investigation and improvement in the diagnostic methods are crucial.

This study intended to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of 630 women at childbearing age, and to link the outcomes with some risk factors. The enrolled women visited Zakho Maternity Hospital from July 2018 to July 2019. Their ages ranged from 15 to 45 years. All samples were examined using ELISA to detect immunoglobulin G and M, in addition to performing IgG Avidity test for seropositive pregnant women. The differences between seropositivity and age was significant (p<0.05), the highest rate (20.43%) for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in the age group 33-38 years. Women who had more contact with cats showed higher IgG and IgM seropositivity rates (16.45% and 1.26%, respectively). Married women had higher IgG Abs seropositivity than single ones (12.52% vs 6.31%, respectively), moreover, only married women were seropositive for IgM Abs. Pregnant women presented higher IgG Abs seropositivity than non- pregnant (15.21% versus 10.49%), with almost equal seropositivity for IgM Abs (0.65% and 0.86%, respectively). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG Abs seropositivity was higher in women underwent miscarriages than those with normal pregnancies (18.44 vs. 8.81%), however IgM Abs was only found among women who had miscarriages (0.97%). Women with triple miscarriages presented the highest IgG Abs seropositivity (37.03%). Chronic infection was found in 68.75% of pregnant women, whereas acute infection was found in 31.25 %. Following up the pregnancy resulted in 15 healthy births, 9 miscarriages, and 10 women did not show up. The finding of this study demonstrates the relationship between toxoplasmosis and risk factors in women at childbearing age, with the aims of decreasing infection rates through the introducing of health education programs and the application of hygienic measures in the community by health authority.

This study intended to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of 630 women at childbearing age, and to link the outcomes with some risk factors. The enrolled women visited Zakho Maternity Hospital from July 2018 to July 2019. Their ages ranged from 15 to 45 years. All samples were examined using ELISA to detect immunoglobulin G and M, in addition to performing IgG Avidity test for seropositive pregnant women. The differences between seropositivity and age was significant (p<0.05), the highest rate (20.43%) for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in the age group 33-38 years. Women who had more contact with cats showed higher IgG and IgM seropositivity rates (16.45% and 1.26%, respectively). Married women had higher IgG Abs seropositivity than single ones (12.52% vs 6.31%, respectively), moreover, only married women were seropositive for IgM Abs. Pregnant women presented higher IgG Abs seropositivity than non-pregnant (15.21% versus 10.49%), with almost equal seropositivity for IgM Abs (0.65% and 0.86%, respectively). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG Abs seropositivity was higher in women underwent miscarriages than those with normal pregnancies (18.44 vs. 8.81%), however IgM Abs was only found among women who had miscarriages (0.97%). Women with triple miscarriages presented the highest IgG Abs seropositivity (37.03%). Chronic infection was found in 68.75% of pregnant women, whereas acute infection was found in 31.25 %. Following up the pregnancy resulted in 15 healthy births, 9 miscarriages, and 10 women did not show up. The findings of this study demonstrate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and risk factors in women at childbearing age, with the aim of decreasing infection rates through the health education and application of hygienic measures.