SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA-GONDII, RUBELLA-VIRUS, CYTOMEGALOVIRUS HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS (TORCH) AND SYPHILIS IN JAMAICAN PREGNANT-WOMEN

Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus infections (TORCH) and syphilis were determined in order to assess the immune/susceptibility status in Jamaican pregnant women in 1986. The positive rates were 57% (T. gondii), 69% (rubella), 97% (CMV), 91% (HSV), and 4.9% (syphilis), respectively. The rate of reactivity for syphilis ranged from 2.1% in Kingston and St. Andrew to 7.3% in rural parishes. The seropositivity rate for rubella was over 50% in all parishes, the highest being 85% in St. Thomas. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was lowest in Trelawny (37.5%). There were no significant differences in seropositivity of CMV and HSV infections between women from various parishes. The importance of seroprevalence of the TORCH group of agents and syphilis on perinatal morbidity and mortality in Jamaican women is discussed, and appropriate recommendations for prevention and control of congenital infections in Jamaica are suggested.