Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among hemodialysis patients in Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt

Background: Hemodialysis patients are regarded as immunocompromised. Therefore, these are more susceptible to opportunistic infections like Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This study aimed to detect T. gondii infection seroprevalence in hemodialysis patients in Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. Methods: This observational, comparative cross-sectional study included 150 participants: 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis and 50 healthy control subjects in hemodialysis units located in Qalyubia Governorate. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients undergoing hemodialysis had significantly higher odds of IgG seropositivity compared to the control group, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.09 (95% CI: 1.47–6.48, P<0.05). None of the other examined sociodemographic or behavioral factors including sex, age, education level, urban residence, cats contact, or undercooked meat eating was significantly associated with IgG seropositivity. Conclusion: Positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG prevalence was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients (65%) compared to healthy controls (36%) (P < 0.05). This suggests that latent or past T. gondii infection is more common among hemodialysis patients. Therefore, regular screening for T. gondii infection should be included as part of the routine clinical care for hemodialysis patients.