Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies prevalence and associated risk factors among HIV patients

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 anti-T. 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.