SEROPREVALENCE OF IgG TOXOPLASMA IN HIV INFECTED PATIENTS
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 9
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection in humans caused by an intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is a highly prevalent infection, particularly in immune suppressed people. Infection with Toxoplasma in immune-competent people is generally without symptoms. Infection can be severe in immune compromised individuals with AIDS, in whom infection can lead to cerebral toxoplasmosis. Patients with CD4 counts of less than 100 cells/ μL and T. gondii IgG positivity have a 30% risk of reactivation of disease, if prophylaxis is not given or immune function is not restored. The aim of the study was to find out the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies among HIV infected persons in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an observational study. Serological level of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using ELISA technique in 30 HIV positive patients was done. IgG antibodies were examined with Euro Immune anti-T. gondii ELISA kit, Positive titre as per manufacturer’s instruction was > 11 IU/mL. HIV testing was done in VCTC centres and the group included 21 males and 9 females. RESULTS The age varied from 20 - 60 and none of them had any neurological involvement suggestive of toxoplasmosis. All patients were on HAART. Nobody had a previous IgG Toxoplasma estimation. The CD4 count varied from 4 - 929, but 17 of 30 had CD4 < 200 who were receiving cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. 12/30 showed a positive titre. This included 8 males and 4 females. 75% were below 40 yrs. Maximum titre noted was 250.4 IU/mL. 8/12 had titre > 100. CONCLUSION 40% of HIV positive patients showed a positive serology. Toxoplasmosis being commonest opportunistic infection among HIV patients who develop reactivation of infection when CD4 falls below 200, it is ideal that all patients with HIV infection have a baseline estimation of antibody titre. This titre should be rechecked when CD4 falls below 200, because prompt identification and management helps to decrease neurological sequelae and early recovery. Those who have a negative test should be advised preventive behavioural practices. Small sample size selected was the limitation of the study. Hence, further studies including a better sample size, selecting from particular geographical areas and comparing with lifestyles such as socioeconomic status, environmental factors, cooking habits etc. should be done to assess the prevalence and risk factors in different geographical areas.
Authors and Affiliations
Sheela Mathew, Shamlath Shamlath
Keywords
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- EP ID EP411208
- DOI 10.14260/jemds/2018/261
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