Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompromised individuals

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis, caused by protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.

Method

Using the CLIA (chemiluminescence immunoassay) method we determined the IgM and IgG Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, and by the EIA (enzyme immunoassay) method the IgA Toxoplasma antibodies in HIV infected persons in Bihor County, during the year 2012.

Results

The study included 30 patients, with HIV infection, 26 (86.7%) of them with antiretroviral treatment, while 4 (13.3%) of them without treatment. Two patients (6.66%) without antiretroviral treatment were found with protective antibody for Toxoplasma gondii, while 8 (26.66%) patients with antiretroviral treatment were found with the same antibodies. Two cases from the last category (6.66%) were diagnosed with acute forms of the disease, in which we found IgM to IgG toxoplasma seroconversion.

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in HIV infected patients was 33.3%.

Conclusions

The obtained value (33.3%) in our study is approximately similar to results reported on seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in researches with similar purpose. This high percentage proves that Toxoplasma gondii is an additional risk factor for immunosuppressed patients.