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Prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss due to toxoplasmosis in Saudi children: a hospital based study
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Toxoplasmosis infection in Saudi children is linked to hearing loss. A study found 70% of infected children had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, highlighting toxoplasmosis as a significant cause.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hearing impairment is a significant disability in children.
- Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a common parasitic infection.
- The aetiology of hearing impairment in Saudi children requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Saudi children.
- To investigate the association between toxoplasmosis and hearing impairment in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted on 1054 Saudi children.
- Serological tests identified *Toxoplasma gondii* IgM antibodies.
- Children were categorized into 'at risk' and 'not at risk' groups based on toxoplasmosis evidence.
Main Results:
- *Toxoplasma gondii* IgM antibodies were detected in 6.6% (70/1054) of children.
- Among infected children, 70% (49/70) exhibited bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
- Hearing loss varied in severity, including profound, moderate-to-severe, and mild cases.
Conclusions:
- Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent cause of hearing impairment among Saudi children.
- Early detection and management of toxoplasmosis may prevent hearing loss.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific mechanisms linking toxoplasmosis and hearing impairment.
Abstract:
A survey to identify the aetiology of hearing impairment among Saudi children was carried out. Children were divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of laboratory evidence of toxoplasmosis "at risk' and "not at risk.' Serological tests for toxoplasmosis were done to 1054 children. We found positive IgM antibody against Toxoplasma gondii in the blood of 70 of the 1054 children (6.6%) (age ranged between 12 months and 14 years). Forty nine of the seventy infected children (70%) were found to have bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (11 of 19 children of the at risk group and 38 of 51 from the "not at risk' group). Hearing impairment was bilateral in all cases profound in 9, moderate to severe in 29 and mild in 11. Known causes of hearing impairment were excluded. The high prevalence of hearing impairment among children due to toxoplasmosis is presented.