Brucellosis in pregnancy and its response to the changing immunoglobulin A: A prospective controlled study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to define the rare Brucella infection in pregnancy and its effects on immunoglobulins (Ig). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study has conducted Brucella screening using the Rose Bengal test on pregnant and non-pregnant outpatients who did not show any specific Brucella symptoms. The immunoglobulin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study group consisted of pregnant women who were at 20 weeks or below gestation and applied to our hospital outpatient clinic for routine check-ups. The control group consisted of healthy patients who applied for routine controls. RESULTS: This study included a total of 584 participants, 293 of whom were controls and 291 were the study (pregnant) participants. The study revealed a 1.5% incidence of Brucella during pregnancy. In acute and chronic Brucella infection, lower levels of IgA response were observed in pregnant cases compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Brucella infection is a disease that can cause fetal problems, especially in endemic areas. The role of the altered IgA response in pathologies that are associated with Brucella infection stands out as a new target for disease pathophysiology.