Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HIV infected clients referred to Shiraz HIV/AIDS research center, 2012-2019

Introduction and Objectives: Toxoplasma gondii, the obligate intracellular parasite, is responsible for both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Immunocompromised patients are at greatest risk for developing acute toxoplasmosis. The prevalence of T. gondii infection depends on geographical areas and population groups. Generally, the seroprevalence in Iran is 39%. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of T. gondii infection among HIV-positive patients in Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 HIV-positive patients referred to Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing center within 7 years from 2012 to 2019. The diagnosis of HIV-seropositive patients was confirmed by Western Blot test. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were determined by IgG ELISA. Patients were divided into five age groups and Toxoplasma seroprevalence was evaluated in each age group. Results: Of total 600 HIV positive patients enrolled in this study, 34.1% were females and 65.9% were males. The mean age of the samples was 40.3 years (SD 10.8 years). Among the HIV-positive individuals, 143 (23.8%) were anti-T. gondii IgG antibody seropositive. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis were significantly higher in age groups of 31–40 and 41 -50 years old (P<0.05). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients with CD4+<100 cells/μl was not significantly higher than the other groups (P=0.48). Conclusion: This study showed a lower seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among HIV- positive patients referred to Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing center compared to other studies done in Iran. Advises about preventive behaviors should be considered in HIV infected individuals with Toxoplasma seronegative.

Keywords:

HIV , Toxoplasma gondii