Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in patients with cardiac diseases

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cardiac patients and investigate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and cardiac diseases.

Methodology: The study included 170 patients followed up in the cardiology department (patient group) and 167 individuals without any disease who were not receiving any immunosuppressive treatment (control group). Blood samples obtained from the study participants were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Anti- T. gondii IgG was detected in 41.2% of the patient group and 29.3% of the control group. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between anti- T. gondii IgG seropositivity in the patient and control groups. In the patient group, anti- T. gondii IgG was detected in 65.7% of those with a history of myocardial infarction (MI), 49.4% of those undergoing coronary angiography, and 48.6% of those undergoing stenting. In the statistical evaluation of patients with a history of coronary angiography, stenting, and MI, and toxoplasmosis seropositivity, significant relationships were found separately (p = 0.016, p = 0.014, and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: Patients with cardiac diseases were found to be at a higher risk for toxoplasmosis compared to healthy individuals. In individuals with cardiac diseases, it is recommended that patients should be monitored for toxoplasmosis at regular intervals and necessary precautions should be taken, considering that latent infection may be reactivated in case of immune system failure.