Serological and Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Some Cancer Patients

Abstract Background: Toxoplasma gondii , a parasite affecting both humans and animals globally, is an obligate intracellular protozoan. Immunosuppressed patients have a high prevalence of toxoplasma infection. For some immunocompromised individuals, such as those with autoimmune diseases, 90% of toxoplasmosis cases in immunocompromised people such as cancer patients are typically asymptomatic, with the remaining 10% displaying flu-like symptoms, ophthalmic illness, or cervical lymphadenopathy. Toxoplasmosis is severe and could be fatal. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify Immunoglobulin g (IgG) and Immunoglobulin m (IgM) antibodies and perform a molecular assay against toxoplasma in malignant patients to promptly refer the patients to a doctor for treatment. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on 7–75 years old cancer patients and was carried out on 70 cancer patients and 20 healthy controls obtained from Kirkuk Oncology and Hematology Center. Patients’ information was recorded before sampling. Blood samples were examined for various serological tests (latex agglutination test LAT, rapid immuno-chromatographic test RITC, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA) and molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction). Results: The findings indicate that an ELISA test revealed some subjects had toxoplasmosis infections in cancer patients—7 (10%) IgG+/IgM+, 11 (15.71%) IgG+/IgM−, 4 (5.71%) IgG−/IgM+, and 48 (68.58%) IgG−/IgM−. The seropositive rate of T. gondii in cancer patients, according to LAT, was 33 (47.1%), in RITC it was 34 (48.6%), and in ELISA test it was 22 (31.4%). Molecular result of the PCR showed 2 (4%) positives and 14 (28%) negatives. Conclusions: Before, during, and after chemotherapy, patients must be tested for toxoplasmosis based on the frequency of positive cases in these patients.