Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Cancer Patients and Women with Recurrent Abortion in Kirkuk, Iraq

Tara Saeed Aziz; Hiro Mohammed  Obaid

doi:10.56286/16ae3w30

Authors

Tara Saeed Aziz Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8980-7180
Hiro Mohammed Obaid Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2529-0257

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56286/16ae3w30

Keywords:

Toxoplasma gondii, ELISA, Seroprevalence, Cancer patients, Abortion, IgG, IgM

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan apicomplexan zoonotic parasite, a global parasitic illness that can cause a variety of problems in immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients, women who have had abortions, and fetuses. Using serological techniques, the study sought to ascertain the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Kirkuk City among cancer patients and women who had abortions. Materials and Methods: Between December 2025 and February 2026, a case-control study was conducted. The research comprised 100 patients diagnosed with cancer, 40 women who had abortions, and 30 controls. A questionnaire was used to collect pertinent demographic information from each recruited participant, such as age and gender. The type of cancer and a history of cat encounters were among the clinical data investigated in patients. A quick immunochromatographic assay was used to check all serum samples for T. gondii immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) antibodies. Positive samples were further confirmed with ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: Overall IgG seroprevalence was 27.3%, higher in females (31.7%) than males (15.2%, P = 0.031), while IgM was 4.7% with no gender difference. IgG positivity was higher in abortion (33.3%) and cancer (32.0%) groups versus controls (3.3%, P = 0.005). Abortion was an independent predictor of IgG positivity (OR = 10.38; P = 0.035). Contact with cats was strongly associated with IgG and IgM seropositivity (P < 0.001). Conclusions: High-risk populations, such as cancer patients and women with a history of abortion, have elevated levels of T.gondii. To prevent infection, it is crucial to screen for T. gondii in those populations, provide hygiene and safe cat-handling instruction, and increase awareness.

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