Sero-epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patients in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the serological prevalence of T. gondii among HIV positive individuals in Calabar for better management of the patients. Blood samples randomly collected from 280 HIV and 50 non-HIV patients, aged 10-65 years were tested for anti-IgM and anti-IgG antibodies based on Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Overall prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in HIV subjects was 77.5%, while that of non-HIV control subjects was 78% (X2 = 0.006; P = 0.938). Seroprevalence of T. gondii for IgM and IgG in HIV subjects were 44.6% and 71.1%, respectively while that of non-HIV control subjects were 36.0% and 56.0%, respectively. The highest seroprevalence, 100% was recorded in those aged 60 years and above, while the lowest was seen in those aged 10-19 years, indicating prevalence to be age related (X2 =34.039; P<0.001). With respect to gender, the prevalence of 49.7% for IgM in females was higher than that of males (30.7%), suggesting it to be influenced by gender (X2= 8.094; 
P=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection of Toxoplasma antibodies between HIV and non-HIV status, (X 2 =0.006; P =0.998). Demographic factors such as residential area, marital status, level of education and occupation significantly influenced the acquisition of Toxoplasma infections (P< 0.001). Knowledge of the disease and source of drinking water did not have any significant effect on the acquisition of infection (P >0.05), whereas keeping of pet animals and consumption of raw meat had significant effect on acquiring T. gondii infection (P <0.05). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among people living with HIV in the study is high. Routine awareness campaigns, screening and prophylactic treatment for toxoplasmosis in all HIV patients are recommended.