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Toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients: a current situation
Veeranoot Nissapatorn1, Christopher Lee, Kia Fatt Quek
1Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 50603 Kauala Lumpur, Malaysia. nissapat@hotmail.com
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 27, 2004
Summary
Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence is high in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients, with a significant association between low CD4 counts and toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) development. Early chemoprophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy can reduce TE incidence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Toxoplasmosis is a significant opportunistic infection in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS.
- Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population.
- Understanding seroprevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients.
- To identify risk factors and clinical characteristics associated with TE.
- To evaluate the impact of prophylaxis and treatment on TE development.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 505 HIV/AIDS patients.
- Serological testing for anti-Toxoplasma (IgG) antibodies.
- Clinical data collection including CD4 counts, imaging, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 44.8%.
- 57 patients (11.3%) were diagnosed with AIDS-related TE.
- Low CD4 count (<100 cells/cumm) was significantly associated with TE development (P <0.05).
- Headache was the most common clinical manifestation (56%).
- Multiple hypodense lesions in the parietal region were common on CT scans (96.4%).
- Chemoprophylaxis and HAART reduced TE acquisition (6.5% and 0.7% respectively).
Conclusions:
- Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients, posing a substantial risk for TE.
- CD4 cell count is a critical predictor for TE development.
- Timely diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment are essential to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with toxoplasmosis.