Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Chemotherapy- Treated Cancer Patients in Sulaimani Province, Iraq: Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Chemotherapy- Treated Cancer Patients

Drakhshan Mahmood Mohammed; Latif Omer Mohammed

doi:10.63841/iue3261100

Authors

Drakhshan Mahmood Mohammed 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 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7590-3808

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63841/iue3261100

Keywords:

Toxoplasma gondii, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Cobas, IgG, and IgM antibodies.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a widespread intracellular parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals. While usually harmless in heathy people, it can cause serious illness in those with weakened immune system. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are especially at risk due to immune suppression and increase their susceptibility to infections like toxoplasmosis. A case- control study with 110 blood samples collected at Hiwa hospital, Sulaimani from cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n=76), and normal individual as controls from Sulaimani public health laboratory (n=34). Serum was separated and stored at (- 40˚C). Anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG & IgM) were detected using the Roch Cobas® e411 automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

A total of 110 individuals were evaluated, T. gondii IgG- antibodies were detected in (42.7%), with higher seropositivity among cancer patients (46.1%) compared to control group (35.3%) (p= 0.292). IgM- antibodies were found only in (5.9%) controls and absent in cancer patients. Among IgG- positive cancer patients, 46.8% had Solid organ tumors, (44.0%) Hematological malignancy, and (50.0%) lymphoma, with no significant difference (p=0.755). Age was a significant predictor of IgG positivity (p= 0.018, OR= 1.034), while gender showed no- association.

Although the prevalence of T. gondii was not significantly higher in cancer patients, the relatively high seropositivity (46.1%) is clinically important, as latent infection may reactivate during chemotherapy and cause severe outcomes, So, screening for Toxoplasmosis should receive significant attention for these patients.

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Author Biographies

Drakhshan Mahmood Mohammed, Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, 46001, IRAQ

Drakhshan Mahmood Mohammed, a master’s Student of Basic Medical Science/ College of Medicine/ University of Sulaimani. Ms. Mohammed graduated from Department of Biology, College of Science in 2015, and worked before as technician at university of Human development.
Latif Omer Mohammed, Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, 46001, IRAQ

Latif Omer Mohammed: Assistant Professor of Medical Parasitology at Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, 46001, IRAQ.

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Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Chemotherapy- Treated Cancer Patients in Sulaimani Province, Iraq