Toxoplasmosis Seroprevalence among Hemodialysis Patients: A Case-Control Study

Objectives:  Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic and opportunistic protozoan, accountable for infecting about a third of the world's population. It has serious effects on immunocompromised individuals. Patients receiving hemodialysis are more vulnerable to toxoplasmosis due to their impaired immunity. Investigating the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) in hemodialysis patients compared to a control group was the purpose of this case-control study. Methods: Using the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, anti-T. gondii (IgG and IgM) antibodies were assessed in 82 patients undergoing hemodialysis and 50 control individuals. Besides, collecting data regarding possible risk factors for infection. Results: In 57.31% (47/82) of the cases in the hemodialysis group and 22% (11/50) of participants in the control group, the anti-T.gondii IgG antibody was found.  Even though, 2.43% (2/82) of the hemodialysis group proved seropositive for the anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies and no positive cases were detected in the control group. Regarding anti-T. gondii IgG antibody, there is a highly statistically significant difference (P=0.000) between both groups.  Besides, a significant correlation between cats’ contact and undercooked meat consumption and positive anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in both hemodialysis and control groups. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients had a higher seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody than controls (P=0.000) indicating their vulnerability. Thus, it is imperative to establish strategies for T. gondii infection prevention and control in hemodialysis patients and to plan for routine screening for toxoplasmosis among those patients.