Toxoplasmosis in Hemodialysis and Healthy Individuals in Shush County, Southwest of Iran

Introduction:Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hemodialysis patients are at higher risk for the toxoplasmosis than healthy people and a rapid and definitive diagnosis is important in these individuals. Thus, the aim of the research was to investigate the toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis and healthy individuals in Shush County, southwest of Iran in 2016. Methods: In the research of cross-sectional, 82 hemodialysis patients (the test group) and 82 healthy individuals (the control group) were randomly selected. IgG and IgM of T. gondii were measured by the ELISA method. Results:Of 82 control group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively that of 82, 25 (30.48%) were positive for IgG (15 (60%) and 10 (40%) for males and females, respectively). In the test group, 46 (56.1%) and 36 (43.9%) were males and females, respectively. Of 82, 42 (51.21%) was positive for IgG (21 (50%) for both males and females). IgM of T. gondii was negative in both test and control groups. A significant difference was found between the test and control groups for IgG (P =0.007) but, no significant differences were between the gender and/or the age with IgG in both test and control groups (P > .05). Conclusion: The results indicated that the prevalence of T. gondii was higher in hemodialysis patients than healthy persons. Since, hemodialysis patients have immunodeficiency; so, the health authorities of the city must pay more attention to control of the infection, especially in hemodialysis patients.

Keywords:

Seroepidemiology , Prevalence , Toxoplasma gondii , Hemodialysis Patients , Iran