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Toxoplasma gondii infection among chronic hepatitis C patients: a case-control study

Hala A El-Nahas1, Nora L El-Tantawy1, Raghda E Farag1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
|August 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients show high rates of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, particularly IgG antibodies. This opportunistic infection warrants consideration in HCV patient management and follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • HCV patients may be susceptible to opportunistic infections due to altered immune status.
  • Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic parasite with potential implications in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG and IgM antibodies in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV.
  • To assess the association between T. gondii infection and the stage of liver disease (cirrhosis) in HCV patients.
  • To explore correlations between T. gondii seropositivity and HCV viral load.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 120 chronic HCV patients (early and late-stage) and 40 healthy controls.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies.
  • Real-time RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantified hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels.

Main Results:

  • High seropositivity rates for anti-T. gondii IgG were observed in chronic HCV patients (92.6% in late-stage, 76.9% in early-stage) compared to controls (15%).
  • Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies showed no significant difference in prevalence across patient groups and controls.
  • A significant correlation was found between high IgG levels and higher HCV viral loads (P=0.026).

Conclusions:

  • Chronic HCV patients exhibit a high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies, suggesting increased susceptibility.
  • Opportunistic T. gondii infection poses a potential risk to chronic HCV patients, especially those with advanced liver disease.
  • Toxoplasmosis screening and management should be considered in the comprehensive care of chronic HCV patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
ELISAHCVReal-time PCRToxoplasma gondii

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