The impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on vitamin D levels in pregnant women: A mini review | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 06 August 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Mini-review article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.394084.2898 | ||
| Author | ||
| Khaldoon Jasim Mohammed* | ||
| Department of chemistry, College of science for girls, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection poses significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women, due to its potential impact on maternal and fetal health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between T. gondii infection and vitamin D levels in pregnant women, as well as the impact on maternal and fetal health. This study reviews literature on T. gondii infection in pregnancy and its relation to vitamin D levels. It uses peer-reviewed articles from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We critically analyze the studies to identify any biases or variations in the findings on the influence of T. gondii on vitamin D levels during pregnancy. T. gondii infection is highly associated with alterations in serum vitamin D levels, which are essential to both maternal and fetal health. Infected pregnant women have decreased vitamin D levels and thus have adverse effects, such as preterm labor or developmental problems, in the course of pregnancy. Perhaps it is for this reason that the parasite exhibits pro-inflammatory properties; these deficits may be exacerbated when metabolism and nutrient absorption are compromised. T. gondii-infected women are more likely to experience vitamin D insufficiency, which can lead to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage and congenital defects. The health of both mothers and fetuses depends on treating vitamin D insufficiency, especially for pregnant women and those with the parasite. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Toxoplasma gondii; Vitamin D; Pregnant women; Miscarriage | ||
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