Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies prevalence and associated risk factors among HIV patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis among HIV patients in Agaro Town Health Center of Jimma zone.


METHODS
Convenient sampling was used to collect blood samples from 135 patients attending anti-retroviral therapy from February to March 2015. Serum samples were tested for anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibody by using latex agglutination test. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis.


RESULTS
Overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 80.7% (109/135, CI: 74.04-87.36). In multivariate analysis significant association was observed between anti-T. gondii seropositivity and raw meat consumption (OR: 3.514, CI: 1.167-10.581, P = 0.025), knowledge about toxoplasmosis (OR: 5.225, CI: 1.382, P = 0.015) and sex (OR: 4.023, CI: 1.382-19.762, P = 0.015).


CONCLUSIONS
Immuno compromised patients showed high rate of seropositivity and thus, it is highly advisable to introduce routine anti-T. gondii antibodies serological screening test prior to ART commencement.
Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia. Electronic address: dachassat@yahoo.com.
Dechassa
D
Tegegne
Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Mukarim
M
Abdurahaman
Department of Natural Resource Management, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Tadesse
T
Mosissa
Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Moti
M
Yohannes
HIV; LAT; Seroprevalence; Toxoplasma gondii