Detection of Antibodies against Toxoplasma from Human Serum Sample using ELISA

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common worldwide zoonotic infection affecting warm blooded animals and humans caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Clinical features range from mildfebrile illness and lymphadenopathy in the immunocompetent host to encephalitisin the immunosuppressed host (E.g. HIV infected patients). Congenital infection can also occur. For effective control and treatment of toxoplasmosis, accurate detection of T. gondii infection is important.

Objective: In this study, ELISA detecting anti-toxoplasma antibodies IgM and IgG has been used for diagnosing Toxoplasmosis in patients.

Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) was carried out in serum samples collected from 40 patients to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies as a part of work up in suspected cases. Relevant clinical history was also taken.

Results: Of the total 40 samples taken, only one sample came positive for IgM and 9 came positive for IgG antibody. All patients who were seropositivefor T. gondii antibodies had HIV infection. Five patients were in the age group between 30 to 40 years.

Conclusion: From the limited data available in this study, it may be recommended to screen for T. gondii antibodies in HIV patients.

Keywords: ELISA; HIV; IgG; IgM; Toxoplasma gondii; Toxoplasmosis.