Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis and healthy group

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) specific antibodies in patients undergoing hemodialysis compared to the control group were evaluated. In this case–control study, 200 hemodialysis patients (HDP) and 100 healthy controls were participated. The specific antibodies (IgG/IgM) in both groups were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. A structured questionnaire containing some demographic information was completed for each person in case and control groups. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 49.5% (99/200) and 23.0% (23/100) in the case and control groups, respectively. There was a significant association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and contact with cats (P < 0.001), consumption of raw/undercooked meat (P = 0.01), and source of drinking water (P = 0.001) in the hemodialysis patients. Also, in the control subjects, there were a significant association between consumption of raw/undercooked meat (P = 0.04) and source of drinking water (P = 0.001) with T. gondii infection. The findings showed a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in HDP compared with healthy controls; thus, we recommend the regular screening programs for T. gondii infection in this susceptible group.