Abstract
Toxoplasma antibodies in HIV-positive patients from Nairobi
Brindle, R.
Holliman, R.
Gilks, C.
Waiyaki, P.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1991; 85750-1
Permanent descriptor
https://doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(91)90443-3Sera from 94 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1, together with 86 controls, attending the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using enzyme immunoassay and latex and dye tests. 54% had Toxoplasma-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) by dye test. 22% of the HIV-positive group had IgG levels in excess of 180 units/ml (approximating to a dye test titre of 1:1300) compared to 1% of the HIV-negative group. There was no correlation between high levels of IgG and clinical stage of HIV disease or features indicative of active toxoplasmosis. It is proposed that the elevated serum IgG is a reflection of early Toxoplasma reactivation, not necessarily associated with disease.
Health workers took blood samples from 94 HIV positive patients (cases) and 86 HIV negative patients (controls) at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Researchers compared the serological results of both groups to determine if any serological evidence of reactivation of latent infection existed and, if so, whether this reactivation could be related to acute toxoplasmosis. Laboratory personnel tested all serum with EIA and latex agglutination and dye tests to determine the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (Toxoplasma IgG). Both the EIA and latex test were more sensitive and specific in detecting Toxoplasma IgG than the dye test. The dye test revealed 54% of all patients had Toxoplasma IgG. Further 22% of the cases had IgG levels 180 units/ml whereas only 1% of controls had these levels. None of the patients exhibited any signs or symptoms of toxoplasmic encephalitis. Further no correlation between high Toxoplasma IgG titers and signs of central nervous system dysfunction or confusion occurred. Even though 35% of cases had considerable lymphadenopathy, it was not associated with Toxoplasma IgG levels. Moreover Toxoplasma IgG levels were not related to AIDS or death. The researchers concluded that high serum IgG levels were indicative of early Toxoplasma reactivation and necessarily associated with disease.
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