Seroprevalence of Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Associated Risk Factors among People Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Arba Minch Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by an obligate intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The parasite infects approximately half of the world's population. Latent stages of toxoplasmosis are prevalent in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected individuals, approximately one-third of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome patients (AIDS) with an antibody to T. gondii reactivating their latent infection, resulting Cerebral Toxoplasmosis(CT) and other clinical disease. So far no documented data concerning the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in HIV infected individuals is available in the study area. This study aimed at determines the seroprevalence of latent T. gondii infection and associated factors among people infected with HIV in Arba Minch hospital, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility based cross sectional study design was employed. A total of 170 study participants visiting Arba Minch hospital Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) clinic from April 5 to June 5, 2013 were enrolled consecutively. Data regarding socio demographic and associated factors were gathered using questionnaire. Approximately two milliliters of blood sample was collected and tested for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for the analysis. Results: Seroprevalence of latent T. gondii infection among the study participant was 88.2%. The seropositivity increased as age of the study participants increased. Multivariate analysis revealed that consumption of raw meat (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 4.361;95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.409-13.496) and history of engagement in farming/gardening activities(AOR=4.051; 95% CI:1.112-14.758) were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. Conclusion: In the present study high prevalence of latent T. gondii infection was found among HIV infected individuals. Consumption of raw meat, engagement in farming/gardening activities were identified as main predictors of T. gondii infection. It suggests that routine screening of Toxoplasma should be considered for all HIV-infected individuals to detect latent infection. Moreover health information should be provided for HIV infected individuals, about ways to minimize exposure to the risk factors.