The Relationship between Some Chronic Diseases and Latent Toxoplasmosis in the Population of Babylon, Iraq

Abstract Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that baffled scientists for many decades with its strange behavior. It appears to have low pathogenicity, but in fact, it is different. So many studies have proven that it has severe effects on many behavioral, psychological, and physiological levels and exploits the low immunity of those who suffer from chronic diseases to prove its fierceness. Objective: The purpose of the current study is to look into the connection between chronic illnesses that are common in Iraqi society and latent toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: 60 healthy individuals and 180 individuals with three common chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease [CKD], and hypertension) participated in a nested case-control study to test for anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies (ELISA). A formalized questionnaire was used to collect participant demographic data and acquired toxoplasma risk factors during sampling. Results: Anti- T. gondii IgG immunoglobulin was found in 13 (21.6%) control and 78 (48.2%) cases ( P = 0.002). The results of the IgG antibody revealed that diabetics had the highest number of positive cases (48.2%), followed by patients with CKD (45.5%), and finally hypertensive patients (38.8%). However, statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the number of positive toxoplasmosis cases and the type of sample examined ( P value = 0.51). Other demographic factors had no discernible impact on infection rates. Conclusion: We conclude that there is a close connection between chronic Toxoplasma infection and some common chronic illnesses, which are thought to be risk factors for the spread of parasitic infection.