Shaw, T., El-Taweel, H., Gammal, M., Khali, S., Ibrahim, H. (2023). Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis. Parasitologists United Journal, 16(1), 79-86. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.203903.1209
Taha Shaw; Hend El-Taweel; Maha Gammal; Safia Khali; Heba Ibrahim. "Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis". Parasitologists United Journal, 16, 1, 2023, 79-86. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.203903.1209
Shaw, T., El-Taweel, H., Gammal, M., Khali, S., Ibrahim, H. (2023). 'Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis', Parasitologists United Journal, 16(1), pp. 79-86. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.203903.1209
Shaw, T., El-Taweel, H., Gammal, M., Khali, S., Ibrahim, H. Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis. Parasitologists United Journal, 2023; 16(1): 79-86. doi: 10.21608/puj.2023.203903.1209
Toxoplasmosis in adult patients with haematologic malignancy: Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and molecular diagnosis
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.