Association of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Kurdistan region, Sulaimania province, Iraq

Association of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Authors

  • Khoshi Tariq Sdeeq Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani 46001, IRAQ Author
  • Latif Omer Mohammed Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani 46001, IRAQ Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63841/iue3261084

Keywords:

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA), Latent Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that is found all over the world and can cause serious problems in people who don't have strong immune systems. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often have a weak immune system and continuous inflammation, which can make them more likely to get toxoplasmosis. The point of this cross-sectional study was to find out how common T. gondii infection is and what factors make people more likely to get it in people with T2DM compared to people who are not diabetic but are at risk and a control group that was not at risk in Sulaimani province, Iraq. A total of 160 subjects were enrolled, including 60 T2DM patients, 50 non-diabetic individuals with known risk factors, and 50 controls without diabetes or recognized exposure. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in serum samples using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). T. gondii IgG antibodies were substantially more common in T2DM patients (66.7%) than in controls (10.0%) and at-risk non-diabetics (30.0%) (P < 0.001). When it came to environmental and lifestyle factors and their correlation with T. gondii infection, handling raw meat or unwashed vegetables was strongly linked to infection, although the source of drinking water was not. Female gender and older age were also significantly connected with infection. These results support a robust link between latent T. gondii infection and type 2 diabetes. In endemic areas, the prevalence of IgG antibodies suggests chronic infection rather than acute illness, underscoring the necessity of regular screening, health education, and focused interventions for high-risk populations, particularly women and older persons. To better understand the pathways relating to diabetes and toxoplasmosis, more study combining molecular and immunological investigation is advised.

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Published

2026-04-25

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Section

Biomedical Sciences

How to Cite

Association of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Kurdistan region, Sulaimania province, Iraq: Association of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2026). Academic Journal of International University of Erbil, 3(2), 1084-1090. https://doi.org/10.63841/iue3261084