Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in patients with beta-hemoglobinopathies: the first report in Americas

• Grant number: 15/04677-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: April 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Cinara de Cássia Brandão
• Grantee: Cinara de Cássia Brandão
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Background and objectives: Sickle cell anemia patients and carriers of severe forms of beta-thalassemia depend on blood transfusions to improve the clinical features related to these hemoglobinopathies. As serological screening for Toxoplasma gondii is not compulsory, the infection may be transmitted by the transfusion of blood components. This study evaluate the T. gondii infection in patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia and those with sickle cell anemia diagnosed and treated at referral centers in Brazil. Material and Methods: A total of 158 samples blood samples were obtained at the reference center in Southern region of Brazil, 77 (48.7%) men and 81 (51.3%) women, were evaluated. Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease were determined by PCR. ELISA was used to identify anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies. Results: The average ages were 29.7 ± 15.0 years, 27.4 ± 18.0 years and 51.2 ± 18.0 years in groups G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The comparisons of mean ages between groups were statistically significant (G2 vs. G1: p-value = 0.0001; G3 vs. G1: p-value <0.0001; G3 vs. G2: p-value = 0.0001). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 43.5% of subjects in G1, 18.1% in G2 and 50% in G3. A comparison by age of patients with sickle cell anemia showed a trend of lower risk of infection among younger individuals. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that T. gondii infection occurs in patients with beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in Brazil as seen by the presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies. (AU)