Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis | ||
| Parasitologists United Journal | ||
| Article 9, Volume 16, Issue 1, April 2023, Pages 79-86 PDF (435.27 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/puj.2023.203903.1209 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Taha Shaw1; Hend El-Taweel* 2; Maha Gammal3; Safia Khali4; Heba Ibrahim5 | ||
| 1Departments of Medical Laboratories , Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen, | ||
| 2Departments of Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen, Medical Parasitology | ||
| 3Departments of Haematology , Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | ||
| 4Medical Parasitology , Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | ||
| 5Medical Parasitology ,Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in patients with haematological malignancy (HM) is challenged by the impaired antibody response; meanwhile, molecular testing is necessary to demonstrate reactivation. Objective: Study of detection rates and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in HM patients using serological and molecular methods. Subjects and Methods: The study included 40 adult patients with HM, and 40 age and sex-matched healthy individuals. Data on risk factors of toxoplasmosis were collected. Serologic testing for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies was performed using ELISA. Blood samples were examined molecularly for detection of T. gondii 529re gene. Results: Seropositive rate was significantly (P=0.003) higher among patients (75%) compared to healthy individuals (42.5%). However, seropositive patients displayed lower anti-Toxoplasma IgG concentrations compared to healthy individuals (P<0.05). Positive PCR results were obtained in 13 patients (32.5%) and one healthy individual (2.5%) with a significant difference (P=0.0004). Seropositive patients showed higher PCR positive rate (36.7%) compared to seropositive healthy individuals (5.9%) (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was recorded between toxoplasmosis and the collected data for risk factors. Conclusion: Patients with HM are at high risk of toxoplasmosis and/or reactivation of latent infection. The combination of serology and PCR is more accurate to reach a definite diagnosis. Follow-up is necessary to prevent the development of life-threatening toxoplasmosis in these patients. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Egypt; haematologic malignancy; immunosuppression; molecular diagnosis; seroprevalence; toxoplasmosis | ||
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