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Background/Objective: Miscarriage is often a result of maternal infection with pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus (TORCH). This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of TORCH agents in women with spontaneous miscarriage in Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a maternity hospital in the Jizan region. The study included 201 pregnant women who visited the hospital between 2018 and 2022. Blood samples were collected, and TORCH IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using indirect ELISA kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The majority of pregnant women fell within the 31-40 age range (49.3%) and had a graduate education level (54.2%). Among the participants, 40.3% tested positive for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, 11.9% tested positive for Toxoplasma IgM antibodies, 24.9% tested positive for Rubella IgG antibodies, 4% tested positive for Rubella IgM antibodies, 28.9% tested positive for Cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies, and 4% tested positive for Cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies. For Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, 9% tested positive for IgG antibodies, and 0.5% tested positive for IgM antibodies. For Herpes Simplex Virus type 2, 4.2% tested positive for IgG antibodies, and 0.5% tested positive for IgM antibodies. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant seroprevalence of TORCH agents among women with spontaneous miscarriage in Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the importance of screening for TORCH infections during prenatal care to identify potential risks to the fetus and implement appropriate management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining herd immunity against the rubella virus is important for controlling the spread and recurrence of rubella. Rubella vaccination for children has been affordable in Saudi Arabia since 1982. To assess the immune response derived from vaccination, we assessed the seroprevalence against the rubella virus among the population of the Madinah region. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure anti-rubella IgG antibodies in 791 serum samples obtained from 336 (42.5%) men and 455 (57.5%) women, ranging from 14 to 49 years in age. Among all participants, 94.2% were seropositive for rubella IgG antibodies, indicating a high degree of immunization. However, 5.8% of participants were seronegative, suggesting a population of either poor vaccine responders or the potential risk of waning vaccine-induced immunity. No significant difference or association with rubella seropositivity was identified according to age, sex, or pregnancy status. The median anti-rubella IgG antibody concentrations differed significantly between age groups (p < 0.001). Although a high percentage of the tested population in Madinah demonstrated anti-rubella IgG antibody seropositivity, a notable percentage of the population were seronegative, making them susceptible to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine rubella virus infectivity and immune status in pregnant females who visited the family medicine and obstetrics clinics at a large hospital in Saudi Arabia, and to identify the possible predictors of rubella susceptibility.Methods: This registered-based, cross-sectional study included pregnant, aged between 18 and 50 years old, who presented for the first antenatal visit between 2017 and 2020. Data on sociodemographic, antenatal characteristics and serological results were collected. Chi-Squared or Fisher's Exact test and t tests were used for bivariate analysis followed by the multivariable logistic regression model.Results: A total of 4328 pregnant were included in the study. Seroprevalence of rubella immunity was 76.41%. Positive rubella IgM antibody was identified in 1.21% of those who performed the test (17/1409). Odds of susceptibility were decreased with an increase in age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95-0.97) and in non-Saudis' (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.36-0.54).Conclusions: Approximately 24% of pregnant were susceptible to rubella virus infections in this study. Screening females of child-bearing age and reimmunisation of susceptible cases before pregnancy are suggested. Further studies to investigate the impact of applying this policy in premarital screening are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]