THE PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF LIBYA TRIPOLI REGION

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects both humans and animals as a zoonotic pathogen widespread in nature. This study aims to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients as immune compromised individuals, and to identify risk factors that affect infection rate by using a questionnaire. Serum samples of 270 were collected from hemodialysis patients who attended Airport Road Polyclinic during the first quarter of the year 2020, and who were examined for the presence of antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii (Immunoglobulin G) by immunoassay system. The seroprevalence in hemodialysis patients of Toxoplasmosis was (53%). Age, education level, prior knowledge of the disease and hemodialysis disease were statistically significantly associated with infection rates. Gender, contact with cats, housing type and vegetable washing, were not associated with the infection. To conclude, with the publication of health education and disease definition being recorded, infection will be reduced in addition to the number of hemodialysis patients who are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, patients undergoing hemodialysis should be screened for Toxoplasmosis test regularly.