Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by T. gondii leading to severe complications in immunocompromised
patients.
Objective: The present case-control study aims at determining T. gondii seroprevalence among children
with haematological malignancies.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 320 children were included (160 children with different types of
haematological malignancies, and 160 matched controls). Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were
assessed in sera from all participants using ELISA. Data included socio-demographic characteristics,
predisposing factors for toxoplasmosis, and recorded type of haematological malignancy.
Results: All the recruited children were seronegative for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. The seroprevalence
of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in cancer patients and controls was 62.5% and 20%, respectively. Besides,
children with haematological malignancies had significantly higher levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody,
with the highest antibody seroprevalence rate and titer detected in children with lymphoblastic lymphoma
(LL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), respectively. Age ≥ 8 years, female gender, rural residence, low socioeconomic
standard, blood transfusion, and toxoplasmosis in other family members were recorded as
significant risk factors for toxoplasmosis.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in children with haematological
malignancies necessitates routine screening for toxoplasmosis, to avoid development of severe and
disseminated disease.