[Detection by nested-PCR of Toxoplasma gondii in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus].
BACKGROUND
Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) for the laboratory diagnosis of active toxoplasmosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


METHODS
The study was carried out in 157 HIV-infected patients. We determined IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii as well as parasite DNA by nested-PCR in blood samples.


RESULTS
IgG antibodies were detected in 56 patients, IgM in 1 and IgA in 5 patients. Eleven patients were found to have DNA of the parasite.


CONCLUSIONS
The polymerase chain reaction is a rapid, sensitive and effective technique in the early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients. Its positivity may also point to the beginning of treatment in asymptomatic individuals.
Alonso
Ricardo
R
Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de la Laguna, La Laguna, Spain.
Martínez
Enrique
E
Laynez
Pedro
P
Miguélez
Máximo
M
Piñero
José E
JE
Valladares
Basilio
B
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan