Detection of Toxoplasma gondii from Clinical Specimens of Patients Receiving Renal Transplant Using ELISA and PCR

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasitic organism causing infection in many mammals, including immunosuppressed patients. Toxoplasmosis as an opportunistic infection is highly prevalent among patients receiving a kidney transplant. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in clinical samples collected from patients receiving renal transplants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 blood samples and 40 lung lavage samples from transplanted patients admitted to the infectious wards and the patients undergoing bronchoscopy were collected. The B1 Gene of Toxoplasma gondii was amplified using PCR of the blood and bronoalveolar lavage BAL samples, and IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma were detected in serum samples using ELISA. RESULTS: Our results indicated that anti-toxoplasma specific IgG and IgM antibodies were prevalent among transplant recipients with values of 54% and 4% respectively. PCR was performed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in 3 blood and lavage samples (3.3%) with 100% sensitivity and 97.9% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma gondii pulmonary infection is measured along with brain toxoplasmosis in patients receiving a kidney transplant. After serological methods, PCR is the second useful method for Toxoplasma gondii screening. Proper prophylaxis before and after receiving a kidney transplant together with Toxoplasma gondii screening of donor and transplant is recommended.