Serologic Detection of Anti Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND:

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the
Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The parasite is intracellular and can result
in severe complications leading to death in immuno-deficient patients
in particular. Diabetes is an important factor that increases
susceptibility and risk of various infections in the host.

OBJECTIVES:

The present study focused on the serologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in diabetic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Through
a case-control study, overall 184 serum samples including 91 from
diabetic cases and 93 from healthy non-diabetic controls were
investigated. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender. Serum
samples were tested for sugar by an enzymatic method, and IgG antibodies
were tested against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA method.

RESULTS:

The
prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in diabetic
patients and healthy controls were 60.43% and 38% respectively. Risk of
toxoplasmosis infection in diabetic patients with was two folds higher
than healthy controls (RR = 2.21, 95% CI; 1.6 - 3.7, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Diabetes
may be caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Presence of T. gondii in the
pancreas at the same time could directly undermines the pancreas cells.
When β cells are destroyed, insulin secretion would then be affected.
Probably the destruction of T. gondii affects nervous system and damages
pancreatic cells leading to increased risk of diabetes.