Serology for Toxoplasma in Immunocompromised Patients: Still Useful?

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis represents one of the most common comorbidity factors in solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients as well as in other immunocompromised patients. In the past decades, availability and performance of molecular tools for the diagnosis or the exclusion of toxoplasmosis in these patients have greatly improved. However, if accurately used, serology remains a complementary and essential diagnostic tool for physicians and medical parasitologists for the prevention and management of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients as well. It is required for determination of the immunological status of patients against Toxoplasma. It also helps diagnose and monitor complex cases of opportunistic Toxoplasma infection in immunocompromised patients. New perspectives are available to further enhance their yield and ease of use.

Keywords: PCR; Toxoplasma gondii; antibodies; immunosuppression; serology; toxoplasmosis.