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image of Toxoplasma gondii Coinfection in HIV-Positive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction

() can cause serious complications in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of among HIV-positive individuals and to investigate its association with age, sex, CD4+ T cell count, HIV RNA levels, and hematological parameters.

Methods

This study included 247 HIV-positive individuals followed up at a tertiary care hospital between November 1, 2022, and November 30, 2024. We analyzed serum samples for IgG antibodies using electrochemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

Results

The prevalence of IgG seropositivity was found to be 32.8% (n=81; 95% CI: 26.9-39). The median age of seropositive individuals was 52 years (IQR: 42-61), which was significantly higher compared to seronegative individuals (<0.001). The highest IgG seropositivity rate (66.7%) was observed in the 61-80 age group. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in IgG seropositive individuals (=0.040). Logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of infection with advancing age. The odds ratio for the 41-60 age group was 13.3 (95% CI: 1.6-106, =0.02), while for the 61-80 age group, it was 28 (95% CI: 3.3-240, =0.002).

Discussion

The seroprevalence of in HIV-positive individuals was lower than both global and regional averages. Age was identified as an independent risk factor for seropositivity. Additionally, hematological alterations associated with anemia were observed in seropositive individuals. Further large-scale, multi-center, and regionally representative studies are required to optimize infection management and screening strategies in people living with HIV.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that infection in HIV-positive individuals increases with age and may be associated with anemia, highlighting the need for age-focused screening and management strategies.

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2025-07-14
2025-09-22
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  • Article Type:
    Research Article
Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii ; seroprevalence ; CD4+ T cell count ; HIV ; risk factors ; IgG
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