Abstract:
Objectives: To assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis
among HIV patients in Agaro Town Health Center of Jimma zone.
Methods: Convenient sampling was used to collect blood samples from 135 patients
attending anti-retroviral therapy from February to March 2015. Serum samples were
tested for anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibody by using latex agglutination test.
Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and risk factors
associated with toxoplasmosis.
Results: Overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 80.7% (109/135, CI: 74.04–
87.36). In multivariate analysis significant association was observed between antiT. gondii seropositivity and raw meat consumption (OR: 3.514, CI: 1.167–10.581,
P = 0.025), knowledge about toxoplasmosis (OR: 5.225, CI: 1.382, P = 0.015) and sex
(OR: 4.023, CI: 1.382–19.762, P = 0.015).
Conclusions: Immuno compromised patients showed high rate of seropositivity and
thus, it is highly advisable to introduce routine anti-T. gondii antibodies serological
screening test prior to ART commencement.
