Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM in kidneytransplant patients in Urmia, 2009-2010

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. Toxoplasma infection is largely asymptomatic, but in immune-deficient patients, such as patients under chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients and individuals with cancer and AIDS the parasite can become widely disseminated, causing severe toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG in kidney transplant patients in Urmia. Blood samples were collected from subjects who had received renal transplant in Urmia Emam Khomini Hospital renal transplantation center and were referred to control their health in the out-patients nephrology clinic from December 2009 to August 2010. The results show that 36 (43.3%) patients including 11 males and 25 females out of the 83 patients were positive for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. Only 4(4.8%) women were positive for IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and all men were negative for this antibody. Both IgG and IgM antibodies were simultaneously positive in the four female patients. No significant correlations were found between seropositive subjects and close contact with cats or consumption of raw or undercooked meat after transplantation. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between T.gondii seroprevalence with the effect of haemodialysis before transplantation or living regions (urban or rural) or literacy. This study shows a relatively high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in kidney transplant patients. According to the results, it seems that climate and geographical condition, lack of adequate training and knowledge of postoperative care play important roles in this infection. Regular screening to determine antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in these patients is essential after surgery.