Toxoplasma gondii molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis in hemodialysis patients from Khuzestan, Southwest Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: A vast variety of diverse creatures, including humans, are infected by the obligate intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Studies have revealed that those with compromised immune systems, such as hemodialysis patients, are more vulnerable to toxoplasmosis infection, which can have catastrophic consequences for them. Objective This study's goals were to assess the frequency of T. gondii infection in haemodialysis patients in Southwest Iran and to conduct phylogenetic analysis of the isolates. Materials and Methods Blood samples were taken from 379 haemodialysis patients who were referred to Ahvaz, Iran's educational hospitals. Using a Bioneer genomic DNA purification kit, DNA was recovered from the samples. T. gondii infection was discovered using a nested PCR with two pairings targeting the B1 gene, which was later verified by sequencing. Sequencing was done on ten T. gondii amplicons. The next step was to create a phylogenetic tree. Results T. gondii DNA was found in 112 (29.55%) of the blood samples by nested PCR. Amplicons from T. gondii revealed 96–100% identity with GenBank sequences. The main genotype of T. gondii, according to sequencing and phylogenetic studies, was type I. Conclusion The results of the current investigation indicated that hemodialysis patients have a high incidence of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, treating toxoplasmosis in these people needs to be done carefully.