Burden of Toxoplasmosis and Tuberculosis Co-Infection - A Cross-sectional Study from Central India

Co-infections of tuberculosis (TB) with other pathogens, including HIV, Cryptococcus , and parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis, are a growing concern in co-endemic, resource-limited settings. Although TB - toxoplasmosis co-infection has been reported in China, no epidemiological data are available from India, despite its high TB burden. Given this context, co-infection may pose a significant public health threat, underscoring the need for further investigation.

The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis in TB patients in India.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care Centre in Central India over a period of 2½ years.

Serum samples obtained from the different groups of confirmed TB patients were subjected to toxoplasma immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgG avidity testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, with tables and graphs employed to address the study objectives. Chi-square test was used to assess associations between variables.

Toxoplasma seropositivity was observed in 31.1% of TB patients, with the highest prevalence in Multidrug-resistant TB. Most IgG-positive samples exhibited high avidity, suggesting past infection. Among the evaluated risk factors, only residential area showed a significant association with seropositivity ( P < 0.05).

The study is the first of its kind in India to provide valuable insights into toxoplasmosis and TB co-infection. It revealed the highest seropositivity among patients with multidrug-resistant TB and significantly increased rates among individuals from rural areas.