Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients such as those with hematological malignancy. Serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in these patients is challenged by the impaired antibody response; meanwhile, molecular testing is necessary to demonstrate reactivation. We aimed to study rates and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in hematological malignancy patients using serological and molecular methods.Methodology:The study was conducted on 40 adult hematological malignancy patients and 40 age and sex-matched healthy individuals. Data on plausible risk factors of toxoplasmosis were collected. Serologic testing for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Blood samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of T. gondii AF146527 (a 529-bp repeat element).ResultsT. gondii seropositive rate was significantly 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. Among patients, serology and PCR showed slight agreement. Seropositive patients were more likely to be PCR positive (36.7%) compared to seropositive healthy individuals (5.9%) (p < 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and demographic variables, cat contact, undercooked meat consumption, type of malignancy, blood transfusion, and chemotherapy.ConclusionsPatients with hematological malignancy are at high risk of T. gondii infection and reactivation. The combination of serology and PCR would be more accurate for a definite diagnosis. Follow-up is necessary to prevent the development of life-threatening toxoplasmosis in these patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.